Echoes of Grace: 1973

A most interesting character in our Seamen's Mission was Daniel Matthews. Night after night he sat by the stove, always alert and eager, joining heartily in the singing.

As a youth he had been wild and reckless, causing much sorrow by his irreligious ways and rebellion.

The one thing he loved was the sea, reveling in its perils. He was daring beyond all the boys of his age; and many a man, hardened by life on the sea, would not have dared to do the things he did.

His unbelief became more definite as he grew up; and hour after hour, as he and his mates smoked about the fire, or in summer sat on the quay, he would with forceful language and powerful argument "prove," as he thought, that religion was a fallacy and God was a myth.

One night the fleet was far out at sea when a hurricane of unusual intensity sprang up. Nets had to be cut adrift, and every boat made for the harbor. It was such a tempest that even Dan became alarmed. He said it was the first time in his life that he was really afraid.

His Christian friend and companion, Tom Rogers, was at the wheel with him when a great sea broke over the bows and swept the little craft from stem to stern. Tom was torn from the wheel and hurled into the raging waters There was no time to think or grieve over the loss of the friend who had tried to lead him to trust in Christ. It was now a desperate and lonely struggle to reach the shore. For what seemed like hours of terror he clung to the wheel, driving on and on through the darkness with no sign of the harbor light. He was losing strength, realizing that he could not carry on much longer. The icy wind chilled him to the bone. The spray that broke in clouds over the vessel blinded him and cut his face.

Dan felt sure that he must be near the harbor, where, unknown to him, the light had been extinguished by the gale; though beyond the gleam of the white breakers there was nothing but intense blackness. Through the roar of the wind he could hear the waves beating against the breakwater like distant thunder, and his heart seemed to freeze with fear.

In that terrible moment he prayed. Despairing, utterly helpless and hopeless, he cried to God for help. It was only the cry of despair: "O God, help me!" Then a strange thing happened. He felt that a strong Hand was on the wheel, turning it in spite of his own despairing grip turning it, and swinging the vessel from its course; and in a moment the fury of the wind dropped. They had steered through the harbor mouth into the quieter waters within.

What Dan Matthews felt at that movement he could never describe. At first he was terribly afraid. He knew—yes—he knew, that God had taken the wheel from his hand and brought him into harbor; and he was afraid of the Unseen Helmsman whom he had mocked and ridiculed. But it changed his whole life; and he had the courage to tell his mates what had happened, and how God had come to his help. As soon as he was able he came straight to the Mission Hall to ask for help and guidance; and there he found the way to the Lord Jesus Christ, and knew himself "a sinner saved by grace."

Until that same strong and loving Hand steered his vessel into "the desired haven" he was rarely absent from the services, and never tired of telling all who would listen the wonderful story of the Unseen Helmsman.

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Rom. 10:13.

A New Year and a New Life

A young woman married a man engaged in government service. She loved her church and was regular in attendance; otherwise she was of the world, worldly, and did as the world did. Her husband was a modern, light-hearted young man. He smoked, drank, and gambled like other young men of his set.

As the years progressed he was promoted in service and had increased responsibilities; but he became a confirmed gambler and blasphemer—the leader of a circle who boasted that they could individually drink two bottles of whiskey and be nothing the worse for it!

As the husband went deeper into sin his wife, through anxiety on his account, became deeply anxious about her own soul. As a lost, guilty sinner she cast herself and all her burdens on the Savior. By His grace she became a patient, tender wife. How she longed to bring her husband to Christ! For thirteen years she prayed with never-failing faith that the Lord would convert him. Every Sunday she would ask him to accompany her to church, and he as often refused. He would sometimes say: "If you will go with me once to the theater, the circus, a dance, or some other place of pleasure, I will go forty times to church with you.

Invariably her reply was: "As much as I long to have you with me, I could not bring reproach on my Savior by going once with you where He could not be."

Then one December evening, the last Sunday of the year, she repeated her invitation. He laughingly said, "You have not converted me yet, old lady."

Throwing her arms around his neck, the loving wife said: "No, and I never can; but the Lord Jesus Christ can convert you, George."

Now she felt more than ever cast wholly upon the Lord, risen from the dead, and "able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Her faithfulness to God only made him become very uneasy, and more determined to resist his wife's entreaties.

On New Year's Eve he had dinner with some of his chosen companions. After the dinner he went home to take his usual New Year's present to his wife and children. While distributing the gifts he found that for the first time since he was married he had forgotten a present for his wife. He was utterly at a loss to account for it and said to her: "I never forgot you before; now you may ask what you like, and I will give it to you."

Looking to the Lord, she quietly and earnestly said: "Come with me to the watch night service tonight —that will be my present."

"Oh, no," he said. "I cannot be such a hypocrite; ask for some present." But she was firm, and held him to his promise.

He left the family group, and when the time came for his wife to go to the meeting, she waited for him. The children questioned, "Do you think Daddy will go with us?"

"Yes," she said; "your father never broke a promise to me."

He had returned to the room and, overhearing this remark, his uneasiness increased. When they started for the meeting, he went with them, to the great joy of his wife. But at the church door he turned and left them, intending to go back to his companions and cards.

But why did he not go to his intended hangout?

Something impelled him to return to his home. In its familiar quietness, he gazed around. Pictures were hanging on his walls, pictures he had often reversed. Now, before he could do so, his eye fell on a representation of Christ on the cross. It attracted him; it smote him to the heart. The words which his devoted wife had so often read in his hearing came fresh to his memory: "He is despised and rejected of men; a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from Him... But was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed." Isa. 53:3-5.

He thought of his past—a wasted life! His future, with an awful eternity, brought only dread to his soul. Here in this One who was despised, rejected, wounded, bruised, appeared the only hope of true peace now and true joy hereafter.

He gazed and gazed until it seemed to him as if it were Christ Himself hanging on the cross, and saying to him: "I DIED FOR THEE."

"For me, Lord?" the wondering man cried. Then and there, in soul agony, he called on the Savior to save him, to put away from him forever the taste for liquor and the desire for all sin. Like the "chief of sinners" he "fell to the earth." (Acts 9:4). Upon his knees in his own house, with no one near but God, he acknowledged his "manifold transgressions and mighty sins." He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as His own and only Savior. He believed on Him "who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification." He rose from his knees a redeemed man, with Christ as his Savior and his almighty Deliverer. He went directly to the meeting, and startled the midnight watchers with his triumphant cry: "Praise God, I am saved."

Ever since that "Happy New Year," Christ crucified-dead, buried, and risen-is his constant theme. As a brand plucked from the burning, this trophy of God’s grace joyfully tells what great things the Lord has done for his soul.

Friend, with the prophet Elijah I ask: "How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him." 1 Kings 18:21.

The Burglar Alarm

Detective Kolt was just half a block from the First National Bank when the burglar alarm went off. As its shrill blast sounded out, he saw two young men running from the bank. Another young man in a car which had been cruising around the bank, slowed down. The two young men hopped in and off they went. It looked like the perfect crime.

But the detective, alerted by the alarm, drew his gun and stopped them. In the car were three scared young men, and $210.00 in cash. At that moment three more squad cars screamed up, and the young men were all taken to headquarters. As they arrived they received a report from the First National Bank that their burglar alarm had gone off by accident. One of the young men said that he had just withdrawn the $210.00 from his own account.

The police apologized for their error and the scared young men departed. So you see—everything is not always what it appears to be. Circumstantial evidence has wrongly convicted many.

This is likewise true in spiritual matters. For instance, you see a young man respond to a preacher's invitation to "join the church." He shakes the preacher's hand, answers all questions intelligently, and is then voted into the church. According to form and ceremony, and to all appearances, he is a Christian. But wait a moment.

If he realizes his lost condition and confesses his need to God, puts his trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross and receives the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior, he is born again. He is now in the family of God, and he is a real Christian. But without this basis of the true believer, redeemed by the shedding of that precious blood, he is not really a Christian, no matter how many preachers' hands he shook, or how many churches he was voted into.

And how do you stand in this matter, dear friend? Have you been saved by His grace and regenerated by the power of God? Or did you just join some religious organization? How can a person tell?

"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5:17.

When you are born into the family of God through faith in Christ Jesus, you receive a new, divine nature-God's own nature. Then, He tells us, "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world,... even our faith." 1 John 5:4.

Reader, are you born again? Have you received Christ into your heart?

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." Rev. 3:20.

Which Is the Way to God?

One of the great battles of the first" World War was over, and the stretcher bearers were busy at their work. A party of them came upon a soldier badly wounded; his life was fast ebbing away. As they carefully lifted him onto the stretcher they recognized him. He was well known in his regiment as an unbeliever and, far worse, as a blatant scoffer. Infidel thought had led to action in his case action became habit, habit formed his character—and now he was on the verge of eternity. What a surprise it was to the medics when he opened his eyes and whispered faintly: "Which is the way to God?"

One of the bearers was an earnest Christian. He bent over the wounded man and said: "Jesus Christ is the way to God."

"Can I find Him?" murmured the dying soldier.

"He is not far to seek; He is ever near you. Jesus has been seeking you for many days. Just say to Him: `Lord Jesus, forgive my sins and take me to God.' He will surely do it."

The dying man stiffly folded his hands together. His lips were seen to move; and by those bending over him the words could be faintly heard: "Lord Jesus, forgive me, and take me to God."

A hush fell upon the little company. They stood silently watching while the soldier, exhausted, lay with closed eyes awaiting the end. Suddenly he opened his eyes, half raised himself up, and said in a loud clear voice: "Thank you, Lord Jesus," and fell back.

He was absent from the body—present with the Lord.

"Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Heb. 7:25.

Pure Sovereign Grace

"The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." Tit. 2:11.

In the history of Elisha the prophet there is a story most startling in its revelation of the wondrous grace of God. Many of you may be familiar with it, but all should refresh their hearts and minds by reading it again. See 2 Kings 4:1-7.

Sometimes in seeking to present Christ we find those who hesitate to accept Him for fear they will not "hold out." Some, under most difficult conditions, unquestioningly put their full trust in HIM. So it was with this widow of a prophet. He had died and left her and their two boys destitute.

It has been said that misfortunes do not come singly, but in battalions. This woman had not only lost her husband, but a creditor was going to take her boys and sell them into slavery—a common thing in those days. The widow went and told Elisha, a man of God, about it. He asked her what she had in the house. "Nothing," she said, "but a pot of oil." Now we know that in Scripture, oil is emblematic of the Holy Spirit. With such a resource her case, though hard, could not be hopeless.

Elisha told her to go home and borrow all the vessels she could. His command was: "Borrow not a few." Evidently he would "ask large gifts of the King" on her behalf.

The poor widow took him at his word and borrowed all the vessels her neighbors would lend her. Can you not see her and her two sons going from house to house asking for the loan of their vessels? No doubt many of the neighbors wondered what it was all about. Even so, people sometimes come into an inquiry room after a gospel meeting, curious to see what is going on.

If this woman had been like some modern skeptics, she would have questioned as very absurd the prophet's bidding her to borrow empty vessels. She would have asked: "What good can come of that?" But her faith asks no questions. The woman did just what the man of God told her to do.

Friend, do you not see her going up the street, knocking at every door, and asking for empty vessels? "How many do you want?" she was probably asked. "All you can spare," would be her answer. One can also imagine the two sons carrying the great vessels.

"Borrow not a few," the mother had been told. As she went on, asking for as many as she could get, what gossip this strange procedure would occasion! All the people in the street would be talking about her. "This woman and her sons have been carrying borrowed vessels into their house all day. Why?" So the natural heart would question.

At last the little family had all the vessels the neighbors would lend. Still following the prophet's advice, the mother locked the door and said to one of the sons: "Bring me the empty vessels." When I have filled them, you take them away."

So she began to pour. Perhaps the first vessel was twice as big as the one she poured from. Did that deter her? No! In faith she kept pouring. It was soon filled, and she kept on pouring into vessel after vessel. At last her son said, "Mother, this is the last one!" We are told that the oil was not stayed till every vessel was full. What thanksgiving must have ascended to God from that room!

Dear friends, in simple faith in Christ, bring your empty vessels to God. He will fill them with Himself.

I am an empty vessel—not one thought,
Or look of love to Thee I've ever brought;
Yet I may come, and come again to Thee,
With this the empty sinner's only plea—
"Thou lovest me!"

Oh! fill me, Jesus Savior, with Thy love;
Lead, lead me to the living fount above!
Thither may I in simple faith draw nigh
And never to another fountain fly,
But unto Thee.

The woman went and told the man of God what had happened. He said to her: "Go, sell the oil and pay thy debt; and live thou and thy children off the rest."

Isn't that truly God's grace for the present and grace for the future? Friend, His grace will not only cover all your sins, but carry you right into glory. Let the grace of God into your heart. He will prove to you His all-sufficiency.

Here are the words to an old prayer: "God, give us grace to see our need of grace; give us grace to ask for grace; give us grace to receive grace; give us grace to use the grace we have received."

Grace taught my soul to pray
And pardoning love to know;
'Twas grace that kept me to this day,
And will not let me go.

Grace all the work shall crown
Through everlasting days;
It lays in heaven the topmost stone
And well deserves all praise.

Henceforth

Oh, the bitter shame and sorrow
That a time could ever be,
When I let the Savior's pity
Plead in vain, and proudly answered:
"All of self, and none of Thee."

Yet He found me: I beheld Him
Bleeding on the accursed tree;
Heard Him pray: "Forgive them, Father";
And my wistful heart said faintly:
"Some of self, and some of Thee."

Day by day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Sweet and strong, and oh, so patient,
Brought me lower, while I whispered:
"Less of self, and more of Thee."

Higher than the highest heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
Lord, Thy love at last has conquered;
Grant me now my supplication:
"None of self, and all of Thee."

"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

Romans 3:23.

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

1 Timothy 1:15.

A Story from India

Chettiar was a high-caste Hindu. He lived in N. Parur, Travancore, S. India. That is a highly favored part of India, as there have been Christians there ever since Apostolic days. The Apostle Thomas is reported to have carried the gospel to that country and to have landed at a port not far from N. Parur.

When we first went to India in 1920 we made our home in Parur and lived there for two years, so we know the town fairly well, but we did not come into contact with Chettiar until 1939.

India's teeming millions are divided, roughly, into three groups-100 million Mohammedans, 200 million high-caste Hindus, and 100 million Untouchables. The latter are otherwise known as the depressed classes, the low caste, or the outcastes. The high caste or caste Hindus, are grouped into four classes: (1) the Brahmins, the priestly class; (2) the Kshethriyas, the soldiers; (3) the Visyas, the trades or business people; (4) the Sudras, the servants of the Brahmins and the others. These four castes are supposed to have emanated from the head, the shoulders, the loins, and the feet, respectively, of God. They are again divided into many castes. Chettiar belonged to the third class, the Visyas, many of whom are money-lenders.

When quite young Chettiar became anxious to know more about salvation, though as yet he had never heard the gospel or met a missionary. According to the belief of the Hindus, merit can be gained by making pilgrimages to the holy places of Hinduism, so he set out on a pilgrimage, taking with him a Brahmin priest, for whom he had built a house, and for whose expenses he had made himself responsible. Together they went from the Southwest across Madras, then to Bombay, Benares, and as far north as the Himalayas. At each temple where they stopped he would give feasts to the priest and take his holy bath in the holy tank! At Benares he bathed in the "sacred" Ganges; and he took home water from the river to bathe his idol, and for his mother to have a bath in. His priest and instructor assured him that only suicide and murder could be called sin! But this did not satisfy Chettiar; and he went on another pilgrimage, this time to the Southeast, to Rameswaram. This proved equally of no avail. Yet again he went, this time to the South, to Trevandrum, but found no satisfaction.

He then came into possession of a Bible; it was given him by a Roman Catholic. But as he began to read Genesis 1 he got discouraged for he felt that he wanted something more than the record of creation. Later, he discovered that the Bible was divided into two portions-the Old and the New. He started the New and almost gave up when he saw the genealogy of Matthew 1. But as he read the four Gospels, while daily going through his ablutions according to Hindu rites, and putting on his ashes, he became convinced that here was the Person, the Savior, he had been looking for.

Eventually, he concentrated on reading the Gospel by John. Daily he read and re-read it; the more he read, the more he was drawn to the Person of Christ. One day, as he read John 6:37, the words "him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out" so gripped him that he said "Lord" and then, as he realized that that was a new word for him to use in prayer, he said: "Yes., Thou shalt be my Lord, Thou didst die for my sins. The peace I've sought for in all my pilgrimages (covering nearly 10,000 miles) I've found in Thee." That day Chettiar became a Christian. He had come to Christ and had found salvation. It is this that constitutes a man a Christian. Nothing less than a personal coming to Christ; a personal, individual receiving of Christ is sufficient and, thank God, nothing else is necessary.

As I listened to the account of his conversion, and as we prayed together, one realized the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Word of God, for Chettiar was never privileged to hear the gospel from the lips of any. How truly he could say—

"I tried the broken cisterns, Lord,
But ah! the waters failed.
E'en as I stooped to drink they'd fled,
And mocked me as I wailed.

Now, none but Christ can satisfy,
None other name for me:
There's love, and life, and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in Thee.

A Gangster's Testimony

Lou Hill was saved. As to the reality of his conversion there could be no question, for with superb boldness he had proclaimed to all his erstwhile friends in gangland his now complete fealty to the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as he had gone all out in his rebellion against society and in adopting the gangster's life and creed of lawlessness, his whole soul turned now to denunciation of "the world, the flesh, and the devil." With humble adoration for his Savior, the lowly Nazarene, Lou Hill's one object was to glorify God in honoring His dear Son.

Only one tie still bound Lou to his gangster pals. In his realization of the depth of the mercy of God in saving such a sinner as he, his heart was softened towards these men, hardened criminals though he knew them to be. How he longed for their salvation! Their own wicked hearts formed the barrier.

Many of these underworld characters still have regard for things religious. To these Lou Hill's confession of faith in Christ was commendable and deserved their tolerance, but certainly not their personal acceptance. To others, some of whom had watched with suspicion, jealousy, and hatred as he climbed the ladder of success in gangdom, anything Lou Hill did could only be a chance for his personal advancement. To them it was incomprehensible that a trusted bodyguard of the most notorious gangster in America should abdicate that coveted place in favor of becoming a nobody.

All these thoughts passed through Lou Hill's mind one morning as he drove his old car towards the cathedral. The papers had announced the funeral on this date of one of Lou's former associates. He knew that many of the underworld would attend, and perhaps his old boss would be among them.

As the converted gangster's car drew near the cathedral, the crowds increased so that traffic was practically blocked. Pulling to an opening near the curb, Lou stepped out and looked around. He was near enough to the church's entrance to see those now coming out, but his blocked view was hindered somewhat by the moving crowd. Climbing onto the hood of his car, he was in better position to see and be seen.

The massive bronze casket was borne slowly and carefully down the few steps to the walk and then was slipped into the waiting hearse. As Lou's eyes left that solemn scene, they traveled up the steps again to the entrance. Just then, two well-built, alert men stepped out and stood looking over the crowd. Almost imperceptibly one nodded, and Lou's old boss joined them.

Quickly Lou's hands formed a megaphone around his mouth and his strong voice called out, "Hi, Al!"

Startled, Al's eyes followed the sound. As they rested on Lou, he smiled and shouted back: "Hi, Lou! How's the Jesus' racket?"

Instantly the answer was trumpeted: "Fine, Al. I don't need a bodyguard, for my life is hid with Christ in God. And all my treasure is laid up in the safety vaults of heaven."

This exchange of greetings was heard by an interested throng now moving more rapidly from the area. Al and his bodyguards stepped into a waiting limousine, and Lou scrambled off his perch and into his car. As it moved into the stream of traffic, the ex-gangster's heart overflowed with thanksgiving to God for the privilege of bearing even this small witness to his Lord and Savior's keeping power before his former associates. Would it bear fruit?

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." Eccl. 11:1.

A Self-Styled Skeptic

We had been visiting for several days in a godly home, but where the young man of the family had recently and boldly proclaimed himself to be an unbeliever, an atheist. As a youngster he had just as emphatically professed to be saved. The change in his stand had occurred while he was in college and had been influenced by classmates to read and adopt the works of infidel writers.

During our visit this young infidel, John, had carefully avoided all opportunities for conversation with us. He must have known that we longed to remind him of the claims of Christ and had determined to thwart our desire.

The day before we were scheduled to depart, we were aroused early when the young man was leaving for work. As he went out to the garage for his car, he was whistling melodiously to the sweet strains of Londonderry Air.

Now, we thought, all opportunity to talk to John was gone. But this was not according to God's thoughts. Towards midway the young fellow came in, planning to join us for lunch on this last day of our presence in his parent's home.

As we chatted together, awaiting a summons to the dining room, John was sitting on the piano bench and occasionally striking a few chords. One said to him: "John, that tune you were whistling as you left this morning—`Londonderry Air'—is quite a favorite of mine."

"I like it too," John answered. "Have you ever sung these words to it?"

His fingers were already running over the keyboard and his baritone voice softly brought out the tune. And what were the words he sang? To our surprise the familiar words of John 3:16, re-arranged to fit the rhythm and to make a pleasing poetic stanza, were presented to us. Perhaps it was John's own arrangement of that most blessed portion of God's precious Word, for we had never heard that bit of Scripture so arranged:

"For God so loved the world," I find it written
In verse 16, John's Gospel, chapter 3—
"He gave His Son" who was for sinners smitten
When nailed upon the cross at Calvary.
"Such wondrous love, it passes human knowledge!
For Jesus died that we might ever live,
Eternal life! So none need ever perish;
This life to all believing souls He now will give."

Before we could quite recover from our amazement that this self-avowed infidel evidently took pleasure in thus handling the sacred Word which he had repudiated, we were called to the noonday meal. There John felt the necessity of haste to get back to his work and soon bade us good-bye.

Puzzled, we turned to the parents. They understood our unspoken question and hastened to give their answer. With tear-filled eyes they told of their long years of prayer that God might do a real work of grace in their boy's heart. Lately they had noticed a softening in his attitude, an increased desire for the things of God. "In fact," said the mother, "we feel assured that since the Lord Himself has begun this good work in him, He will complete it in His own way and time. It just remains for John to bow the knee."

We have never seen nor heard of John since. Both parents shortly thereafter went to be "with Christ"; and John, still known as a skeptic, was left to his own way. We still pray for the misguided man, and trust that in a soon coming day of manifestation we shall learn that later years we have proved the truth of the King James Version of Proverbs 22:6.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Five Golden Links in a Chain of Gold

How sweet to the troubled soul is the positive assurance of God's Word! To every preacher of the gospel, John 5:24 has been useful many times in bringing weary, struggling ones into the comforting knowledge of salvation full and free in Christ Jesus.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24.

"Verily, verily"— the Lord of glory speaks with authority. "Whosoever HEARETH MY WORD." Have you heard His voice? It brings dead souls to life.

"BELIEVETH ON HIM THAT SENT ME." Do you believe on God, on Him that sent Christ into this world?

"HATH EVERLASTING LIFE." Have you everlasting life? Perhaps you say, "I don't know; I would like to know."

"Have you heard His voice?"

"Yes."

"Do you believe Him that sent Christ?"

"Thank God, I do."

"Then you have everlasting life." It is a present thing; and as to the future, do not be afraid.

"IS PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE." God will not bring two people into judgment for the same thing. Christ has borne the judgment. It is a thing of the past, behind the Christian's back, borne 2000 years ago.

A poor blind man offered to lead me from house to house in the village where he lived. I asked him, "How is it with you? Do you know the Savior?"

He replied, "Indeed I know Him, and I am as happy as a man can be. True, I can't see, but there is only a cobweb between me and my Savior. Let Him but put His foot on it, and we'll be wrapped in each other's embrace. Hell is closed, judgment is behind, glory is open to me. There is but a step between me and my Savior."

Friend, there is no judgment for the believer. Whether you understand it or not, believe it. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself declares it is so. God does not tell you to understand it. His word is BELIEVE.

Out of the Depths of Sin

The following is a portion of a letter by a well-known lawyer who, for years, practiced law in St. Louis, Missouri.

"Great opportunities had indeed been given me and for years I made them my own. But slowly, insidiously, the all but universal habit of drink, in society and among men of my earlier days, overmastered me. I sought no victory in the battle of life— though victories had often come to me. As a ruined and hopeless man, I gave in with scarcely a struggle. I was fast bound in a chain of my own forging.

"I had no thought of Christ, save as a vague person, respected as the survival of a family influence or tradition. There was no hope that in a church at some time, I might hear and believe the gospel, for I never went to church.

"Then Jesus Christ took up my case. Men were beginning to turn away from me, but the Lord of glory took me up. He sought and found the derelict. Through Thomas McPheeter, a joyous soul, Jesus Christ offered Himself to my poor lost soul.

"It was a Bible conversion. From a worn pocket Testament, McPheeter read to me the great gospel messages, the great deliverance passages, such as John 3:16; John 6:47; John 10:28, etc., and when I asked, like the Philippian jailer, "what must I do to be saved?" he just read them over again, and we knelt, and I received Christ as my Savior and my Lord.

"And— oh, when you tell my story put this in—PUT IT BIG AND PLAIN; instantly the chains were broken, NEVER TO BE FORGED AGAIN! The passion for drink left me it was taken away. Put it 'INSTANTLY'! MAKE IT PLAIN!

"Do not say, 'He strove with the drink sin and came out victor'! I did nothing of the kind. Divine power did it, wholly by grace. To Christ be all the glory!" Yours in His love, C. I. Scofield

Three Looks at the Wicked

The first look is David's, the sweet singer of Israel: "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found." Psa. 37:35, 36.

The second look is Solomon's, the wise man: "I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done." Eccl. 8:10.

The third look is John's, the beloved Apostle: "I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Rev. 20:12.

There is no question that each sight as it is brought before us becomes more intensely solemn.

To live in your wickedness is bad.

To die in your wickedness is still worse.

But to stand before God in your wickedness is past imagining.

It is bad enough to see an unconverted sinner buried; but it must be an awful sight to see him rise again, to see him stand before God in judgment.

Did you ever think who it is that will pass sentence on a sinner? It is Jesus! There is no more solemn thought in the whole of Scripture than that He who pleaded on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"; that He who wept over Jerusalem and said, "How often would I have gathered my children together, as a hen gathereth her brood under her wings, and yet would not"—that that One will pass sentence on your soul if you die unconverted! Oh, what a thought! What could be more appalling? There is no question but that, of all solemn sights other than dark Calvary, John saw the most solemn.

Just travel in thought over those sights once more, and may the Spirit of God constrain you to believe the message of God's amazing love in Christ. Receiving it into your heart, you will have "joy and peace in believing" on this side of the grave, a bright, bright hope beyond it, and "boldness in the day of judgment."

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Heb. 13:8.

Far spent thy day; oh why delay
To enter mercy's door?
'Twill soon be night! Then lost thy light,
Yea, lost for evermore!

What bitter grief, without relief,
Will then thy portion be!
No love, no light, no glory bright,
For all ETERNITY!

Excused

The feast has been prepared for all!
The Master of the house has sent
His servants out to call them in;
But they begin, with one consent,
To state why each man should decline;
"I beg of thee have me excused,
I've bought a farm," "I've bought a team,"
"I've got a wife; I must refuse."

How trifling these excuses seem,
Like money put in bags with holes!
They make excuses, just as lame,
For losing their immortal souls!
They fain would think they're not to blame,
They really think that they might try,
Were there not molehills in their way
That to their eyes seem mountains high.

"Besides, I want to have some fun;
My friends the gospel have refused,
And so I guess that, for a time
At least, I'd rather be excused."
"Money is what I'm after now,
To spend old age in ease my goal."
But what shall profit man if he
To gain the world, shall lose his soul?
Poor soul, whate'er be your excuse,
Look forward to that final Day.

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die."

Ezekiel 18:4.

"The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 6:23.

Does Prayer Work?

Yes, prayer does work. Major Allen Lindberg of Westfield, New Jersey, is convinced of that. He was pilot of a Boeing Flying Fortress forced down at sea while on his way to Australia. He and his crew of nine were given up for lost.

"It was before dawn when we crashed," Major Lindberg reported. "We just had time to shove off on two rubber rafts, without a crumb of food or a drop of water. The boys were pretty worried all except Sergeant Albert Hernandez, our tail gunner. Right away that lad from Dallas started praying, and pretty soon he startled us by announcing that he knew God had heard him and would help us out."

Drifting beneath a broiling sun with their lips too cracked and their tongues too swollen to join Hernandez in singing hymns, their prayers continued just the same. On the third day just before nightfall they saw the outline of a small island, and soon after that the almost unbelievable spectacle of three canoes rowed by naked men coming toward them. Their rescuers turned out to be Australian natives— black-skinned, kinky-headed fishermen from the mainland many miles away. These men told Lindberg that the day before, they had been homeward bound with their catch when a strange urge came over them. Something impelled them to change their course and steer for this uninhabited and worthless bit of coral. And from that atoll they spied Lindberg and his companions.

Certainly it is good to realize that God is able to save from physical death; but how small a matter that is when compared with the vastly more important matter of AFTER DEATH! We pray, dear reader, that you may not only know God in providence, but as the One who is deeply interested in all your soul's history. Think of the depth of God's concern for you as you read: "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." John 1:12.

God's Intervention

Nobody likes being interfered with! The fact is, of course, that nothing is sweeter to any man than being allowed to pursue his own inclination without any check or hindrance. Still, in the present era of huge populations and much legislation, we do get in one another's way considerably, and nobody goes very far without being pulled up and checked in innumerable directions. We do not like it, but we have to suffer it.

During war times a good many people seem rather annoyed with God because He does not interfere on the side they favor. Yet how would they like Him to interfere with their lives? How would you like Him to interfere in yours?

Zinoveiff, a Russian leader who once attained a transient notoriety, declared that, "The Communist Party cannot tolerate interference by God in critical moments; and for candidates who hesitate to renounce God we have no room." Just exactly how they propose effectually to keep God at a distance is not stated, but they do not hesitate in their actions towards their fellow-mortals, for they aim at producing a state of things where atheism shall be supreme.

Is God's interference then a thing to be always dreaded? By no means. With many of us, His hand in interference has been among the most blessed events of our lives. He loves to interfere in grace.

Years ago in the city of Winchester a young man named George Mason was sentenced to death for murder. As a little lad of eight, he had lost his mother. She had been the only tender influence in his life. His father brought him up an atheist, and from his earliest years his companionship was in a company of infidels who sometimes discussed the Bible verse by verse in order to make it a subject of ridicule. While still quite young, he shot and killed an army sergeant near Portsmouth. When tried and sentenced to death by Justice Hawkins, he cursed the judge from the dock; but shortly after conviction he was soundly converted to God. Then he penciled a plea for pardon for that offense which deeply touched the judge. To the prison chaplain he said, "I never knew what happiness or kindness was until I came here." To the clergyman who finally attended him on the scaffold he gave this message: "I thank you for coming to see me, a murderer, and I hope you will use my experience of life as you please to assist others to the right road. He whom you visited has been an atheist, a burglar, and a drug addict; but now, by the help of God, he is a penitent, and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ."

Admittedly this was a very extreme case, but God interfered and saved his soul!

More than nineteen centuries ago one Saul was born at Tarsus in Asia Minor. He was no atheist! On the contrary, he was tremendously religious. Yet no greater opponent of Christ ever lived. As the leader of a whirlwind crusade against Christians he was riding post-haste to Damascus when an act of divine interference took place, and he saw the very Christ whom he hated in a blaze of heavenly glory that was indescribable. The effect was instantaneous and revolutionary; and he who was before "a blasphemer and a persecutor, and injurious," obtained mercy. Later on he has put on record that "The grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant," and that "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Tim. 1:13-15.

Has there been a divine intervention of this sort in your life yet? Do not shrink from it, but on the contrary invite the hand of love that intervenes. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Let that love reach your heart, and your life will be transformed.

Depend upon it, an hour of divine interference rapidly approaches for every one of us. The world grows old and weary in sin. The present epoch, "the acceptable year of our Lord," is to be succeeded by "the day of vengeance of our God." Then age-long iniquity shall be abolished, wrongs righted, sin judged, righteousness established: "So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily He is a God that judgeth in the earth." Psa. 58:11. How can you face that day except you know salvation in this day, through faith in the precious blood of Christ?

Take It

One day while I was visiting an old Christian in the country, a daughter of hers from a distance came to see her. Thus I was given the opportunity of speaking to her about the Lord Jesus and His precious blood. This person was a sinner, and she knew it, and was undoubtedly very anxious about her soul.

She was, however, making a mistake, a very common mistake, for many really anxious people make the same. Instead of simply believing on Christ and resting on the finished work which He had already done at Calvary, she thought she must do something, pray more earnestly and plead anxiously, in order to get the forgiveness of sins.

"Oh, I do so long to be saved!" she said. "I do beseech Him to have mercy on me and save my poor soul."

John 7:37 was quoted: "Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink."

"Oh, what shall I do? I do pray the best way I know how."

"Yes, dear friend; but suppose when you were coming here this morning, hot, tired, and thirsty, some kind person, seeing your condition, came out of her house with a glass of nice clear cold water and offered it to you, saying, 'You look very tired, and must be thirsty. Come, drink this water; it will do you good.' What would you have done? You would not, of course, have accepted it, but would have begged and entreated her to give it to you, saying, 'Oh, please give me that water! I am so thirsty and faint; I feel I shall die if I don't get something to drink. Oh, have pity upon me, and give me that water!"

"No," she replied; "I would not have acted like that. I would have taken the glass and drunk it all up."

"Well, now, you say you are longing to be saved, you are thirsting for salvation, and God's Word tells us that 'Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.' Now, what will you do with the living water so freely and so graciously offered?"

"Oh, I see now," she said: "there is no need to cry and pray for that which is so offered me. I will gladly take that also."

And we believe from the earnestness and reality of her manner and words, as also from our further conversation with her, that there and then she received Christ Jesus as her Savior.

Now, beloved reader, we do not know you or your spiritual condition; but we do know that whoever you are, wherever you are, or whatever you may have done, His Word still stands as true as ever.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

If you are yet unsaved, consider well the import of that big comprehensive word "whosoever." From your heart may you say: "There is room for me in that word; and by His grace I will at once take my place within its wide embrace. Believing on Him who died for the ungodly, I claim the eternal benefits thus fully held out. All my life I have been included in that awful word 'ungodly.' Since for such He died, I know that He received the full judgment due for my sins. Now, believing on Him, I can never perish, but have everlasting life. Blessed be His holy name!"

Eight Beatitudes

"BLESSED—

Are they whose inquities are forgiven." Rom. 4:7.

Is the man... whose delight is in the law of the Lord." Psa. 1:1, 2.

Is he that doeth righteousness at all times." Psa. 106:3.

Is he that considereth the poor." Psa. 41:1. Are ye that sow beside all waters." Isa. 32:20.

Is the man whom Thou chastenest, O Lord." Psa. 94:12.

Is the man that endureth temptation." Jas. 1:12. Are all they that wait for the Lord." Isa. 30: 18.

He Done It All

They were sisters. They were both very old, and they both "lived on welfare." They were both extremely dirty and untidy, and they both shared alike the miserable tenement they called home.

But similar as they were in outward appearance, there was a vast difference within. Listen to their conversation. The elder woman is talking of her husband now in heaven, and adding her desire to follow him soon.

"Aye," responded her sister; "but you must work for it, you know!"

Poor old lady! There was little to comfort her in the remark, for she was seventy-two years of age, and so infirm that she had to be carried up and down stairs to bed. But a bright look came in her face, and she stammered out (for she had an impediment in her speech), "No, He done it all."

"Ah!" insisted her sister; "but you must work for Him; if not, He'll cast you off."

But even this remark, gloomier than the previous one, did not perturb the old saint, as with emphasis she responded, her wizened face glowing with animation: "That He never will!"

One sister was trusting to her own righteousness, which God declares is as filthy rags in His sight, and to her own efforts to please Him, which the Bible tells us are all "dead works." The other one had found in her helpless, hopeless state, that it is to such needs as hers that the "grace of God brings salvation." Weak and infirm, she rejoiced to know it was when we were "without strength, Christ died for the ungodly." And she knew just enough of His love to scout the idea that, when once the Good Shepherd has put the sheep on His shoulders, He would never again allow the possibility of its being lost. "My sheep shall never perish."

The Precious Blood

A little boy who regularly attended a Christian Sunday school in Africa was very anxious about his soul. One Lord's Day afternoon he took home by mistake a Sunday school hymn book. One or two of the other boys seeing him with it accused him of stealing it.

To be called a thief was a sore trouble to the poor boy. He was in tears when he reached home, and he poured out his grief to his mother. She told him to take the book to his teacher and apologize for the mistake.

The boy's teacher longed to see the lad rejoicing in Christ Jesus. Sympathetically, she said: "Never mind, Fred. You learn this hymn, and say it to me before all the boys next Sunday." She pointed out a certain hymn in the book. "When you say that, they will see that you have at least made good use of the book."

Studying hard, Fred learned the little song. All that week his mother could not help noticing that all the clouds had left his face. One night she said to him: "Well, Fred, what has come in to make such a difference with you?"

With tears of joy on his upturned face, and without any other comment, he answered in the words of the hymn he had been learning: Precious, precious blood of Jesus, Shed on Calvary; Shed for rebels, shed for sinners, SHED FOR ME!

He nodded his head significantly as he repeated the last two lines.

Thus was Fred truly brought into God's secret as to how a guilty conscience can be set at rest, a troubled heart find joy and peace. God's testimony to the blood had done it.

"When I see the blood, I will pass over you." Ex. 12:13.

"The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

The Sunken Rock

A British vessel, the "Thetis," was sent by the Government to search in the Mediterranean for a suspected shoal, or bank. The shoal reportedly was at a certain place and hidden beneath the waters. When his efforts had failed, the captain abandoned the enterprise. His report stated that "the existence of such a danger was all a dream."

An officer on board, however, had his doubts as to the captain's conclusion. He went out by himself on an expedition. In the very same latitude and longitude, and through careful labors, he discovered a reef of rocks, which he reported at the Admiralty. The location was inserted in the official charts, and the discoverer was rewarded with a high appointment.

Word of this came to the captain's ears, but he would not believe in the discovery. He was a shrewd, clever man, but incredulous and obstinate. "The whole thing is a falsehood," he exclaimed, adding, "If ever the keel of the 'Thetis' is under me again in those waters, and if I do not carry her clean over where the chart marks a rock, call me a liar and no seaman."

Two years later, bound for Italy, he had for a passenger in the "Thetis" the British Ambassador to Naples. One windy night he and his chief officer were examining the chart. The officer pointed to the indication of a sunken rock on the map. "What," exclaimed the captain, "is this invention to meet me in the teeth again? I swore I would sail over that spot the first chance I had, and I will do it."

He went down into the saloon, and merrily related the story to the company. "Within five minutes we shall have crossed the spot," he said. There was a pause. Then taking out his watch, he exclaimed, "Oh, the time is already past. We have gone over that fabled reef."

Just then a grating touch was felt on the ship's keel. Then a sudden shock, a mighty crash, and the ship was foundering.

Through the tremendous efforts of the well trained crew, nearly all on board were saved. But, true to the tradition of the sea, the captain remained aboard his sinking ship. He did not survive his own mad temerity. The last seen of him he was standing bareheaded on the dark hull of the "Thetis" as the waters of the Mediterranean burst round her bows and stern. He perished, a victim of unbelief.

So perish thousands in their unbelief of the gospel of the grace of God. Unbelief of God's warnings, unbelief as to the eternal doom of despisers of His grace!

Reader, heed the Spirit and the warnings of God's servants. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

Forgiveness

A tough old woman had earned the name of "Warrior Brown" by her fighting ability when she was drinking or enraged. By God's grace she was converted, and happily testified to His saving power at every opportunity.

On one such occasion she was speaking at an open-air meeting. As was often the case, hecklers and other disturbers present sought to harass the poor soul. One cowardly person struck her a nasty blow with a potato. Before the woman's conversion, the perpetrator of such an act would have needed immediately to make himself scarce for his temerity. But now-what a change! "Warrior" picked up the potato without a word and put it in her pocket.

No more was heard of this incident until the harvest festival of thanksgiving came around. Then "Warrior" brought a sack of fine potatoes as her offering. She explained that she had cut up and planted the offending potato, and in this gift she was now presenting to the Lord its increase.

"Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee; the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain." Psa. 76:10.

Grace

Oh, wondrous grace, that makes more dark my sin,
More bright and glorious, justice and its sword;
That does the sinner's heart and conscience win,
While God is justified and sin abhorred!
Lowly I bow before its glorious throne,
And, while absolved by grace, myself most guilty own.

I fly not from that all-seeing eye
Which once I shunned, to hide myself in night;
The blood that purged my sin has brought me nigh
To dwell in God's own love, and walk in light:
The holy, holy, holy Lord I love,
Whose holy will I now delight to learn and prove.

Sin can't condemn, for grace has justified;
Sin shall not reign, for grace has set me free;
Sin I abhor, since Christ my Surety died,
His living grace now reigns, and succors me;
The grace that has the wondrous work begun,
Shall crown with glory when its mighty work is done.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1

It Is Well With My Soul

The beautiful French liner, the S. S. Ville du Havre, was headed East toward France from her latest berth in New York City. As the most luxurious ship then afloat, the Ville du Havre had a full complement of eager and prominent passengers. Among these was a party of congenial Christian friends from Chicago who had not spared themselves nor their resources in trying to help alleviate the sufferings of the many victims of the still recent Chicago fire. This ocean voyage, it was hoped, would be used of God in restoring their exhausted bodies, nerves stretched to the breaking point, and emotions sadly upset by the terrible scenes and experiences witnessed during and after the Great Fire.

One of the ladies of this Christian group was Mrs. Anna Lawson Spafford. Her four small daughters accompanied her; but her husband, Horatio Gates Spafford, detained from accompanying his family, planned to join them later in France. He had traveled with them to New York and was one of the throng that watched from the dock as the beautiful ship got under way for the long journey across the Atlantic.

Saddened by thoughts of even a brief separation from his beloved family, Mr. Spafford had committed all into the loving hands of God, his Father, and now encouraged himself with the anticipation of a not too distant reunion. In the following days, back at his office in Chicago, he was kept unusually busy, and the days slipped by.

Thus it was that like a bolt from the blue the news came. The expected cable of Mrs. Spafford's safe arrival was sent not from France, but from Wales. It followed "on the heels," as it were, of the shocking announcement of the almost unbelievable sinking of the mighty Ville du Havre. The cablegram from Mrs. Spafford bore only two words: "Saved alone."

Major Whittle, a renowned evangelist, and another close Christian friend, hastened to be with Mr. Spafford in this dark hour. All that night the grief-stricken man walked the floor in anguish. Only as day began to dawn did peace come to his troubled heart. Turning to his friends, he said: "I am glad to trust the Lord when it will cost me something."

Added to Mr. Spafford's deep sorrow was spiritual conflict. Imbued as he had been in early years with an old Puritan tenet that every trial, sickness and sorrow was the direct penalty for sin committed by the sufferer, he was now beset with questions, doubts and fears. Wherein had he failed? Whose guilt had caused this awful tragedy? Thus he searched his soul.

On the sad train trip to New York where he would embark for France Mr. Spafford wrestled with these problems and with his own poor heart. He must have deeper faith in God's goodness. He must put full trust in the Father's love.

Searching the precious Word, Horatio Spafford found his answer in John 9, first three verses: "And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."

What wonderful assurance of the loving-kindness of our all-wise God! Though the bereaved man was indeed passing through the valley of the shadow of death, his faith was renewed and strengthened by the final clause: "that the works of God should be made manifest in him." Did that not mean that even this heart-breaking tragedy could be used for His glory? When this possibility dawned on him, Horatio Spafford, like the apostle Paul, "thanked God and took courage."

Now Mr. Spafford was on his way to join his wife in France. On the high seas, near the place where the ship and his little girls had disappeared, out of his anguish and sorrow came a beautiful hymn that has been used of God to comfort and soothe many aching hearts. "It Is Well with My Soul," set to music by Mr. P. P. Bliss, is still a hymn to calm and inspire in times of trouble.

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea-billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say:
"It is well, it is well with my soul."
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin—not in part but the whole—
Is nailed to His cross and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh, my soul!

And, Lord, haste the day when faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend;
"Even so—it is well with my soul."

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live
Though Jordan above me may roll;
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Travelers All

Not very long ago eight men found they had been riding through a large city without knowing where they were going. Their one idea had been to escape from a certain place and to get to a place of safety. For their purpose they took seats in the first bus that came along.

A young detective had just witnessed the attack and robbery of a foreign medical student by these men. Unobserved by them, the detective climbed up beside the bus driver and ordered him to drive directly to a police station. There he signaled for help, and the eight hoodlums were quickly taken into custody. In due course they were brought before the magistrate, found guilty, and sentenced. One was sent to jail for a year, two for three months, three were "put under probation," and two were "bound over."

Perhaps this true story of a recent event has its counterpart in the case of a reader of these pages. Friend, you can't deny that you are traveling. Along life's highroad you are journeying, and the days as they hurry by are but milestones along the way. Going, quickly going, you most surely are!

Then can you answer as to whither you are bound? Those eight men meant to go to a certain place; they thought they were on their way there. In fact, they were being conveyed to a very different destination—one that they would never have chosen! You, perhaps, take it for granted that you are headed in the right direction—that by this route you will reach Heaven some day. Are you sure that you have turned to God and that your feet are treading the narrow road that leads to glory and to life eternal?

Ask yourself: what have you been doing? The eight thieves were caught in an attempt to rob a fellow-man. Have you not robbed God? He gave you this earthly existence that you might glorify Him. Have you used the life He gave you for your own selfish purposes? Have you not followed your own will and refused His? Have you not sinned against Him in thought, and word, and deed? YOU HAVE BEEN ROBBING GOD!

God's eye has been upon you just as the detective's eye was on those men. But there is this difference: God is not a detective! He already knows all about you. His heart is full of love for you and it gives Him no pleasure to witness your sin. But He is holy and cannot tolerate evil. How serious for you that He knows even the thoughts and intents of the heart!

Friend, YOU HAVE SINNED. God's blessed Word says: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23.

An offense against a fellow-man may be met by imprisonment for a few months, or by penal servitude for a term of years. But God is a Being of infinite holiness and majesty. An offense against Him is immeasurable—infinitely grave.

Yet God is absolutely just. He will not visit all with the same intensity of punishment. There are those that will be "beaten with few stripes," and those that will be "beaten with many stripes." Poor, human creatures could never sustain punishment infinite in intensity. But even so, they are capable of committing sins of infinite enormity, since they are committed against a Person of infinite dignity and holiness. Therefore, if you spurn and reject the atonement of such infinite value which He made in Christ for your sins, most surely punishment infinite in duration must be your eternal portion. Of this we are solemnly assured in many plain passages of Scripture: "These shall go away into everlasting punishment." Matt. 25:46. "The fire that never shall be quenched." Mark 9:43.

Sin must be punished. But, sinner friend, you need not suffer either "the few" or "the many" stripes. There is One of infinite greatness and worth which made it possible for Him to give Himself a ransom for all.

"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.

He hung on the Cross, the Sin-bearer, dying to make atonement for the sins of men. Because of this, you can be saved. Because of Christ's atoning sacrifice on Calvary's cross, you may enjoy the eternal favor and blessing of God. But for this infinite privilege and joy, you must definitely accept the Lord Jesus as your own Savior. You must put your soul's confidence in Him. Then you can say: "With His stripes I am healed." Isa. 53:3.

Wilt Thou?

I stood outside a friend's house late one afternoon. Friends were leaving, the hostess was bidding them farewell, and I was alone with my host.

He was a kindly man and very hospitable. I said: "Let's see. Your wife is a Christian, isn't she?"

"Yes," he said, "I am glad to say she is."

"What about you, Charles?"

"Well," he answered, "I don't know what to say. I am sort of 'betwixt and between.' "

"If you have a Christian wife," I said, "you have an advantage. She ought to have a Christian husband, oughtn't she?"

"Yes."

"Look here, you are a sinner, aren't you? If you don't know that you are a sinner, you don't know much! Your sins must all face you in that coming day. If you admit you are a sinner, I can tell you that Christ is a Savior!

"What happened when you were married? You stood before a registrar and you were asked, 'Charles Cooper, wilt thou take this woman, Mary Anderson, to be thy wedded wife," and you said, will!' Then he asked her, Wilt thou take this man, Charles Cooper, to be thy wedded husband?' and she replied, 'I will.'

"Then," I said, "you put the ring upon her finger, signed the register, and you were married!

"Look here, Charles Cooper! Wilt thou take the Lord Jesus Christ to be thy Savior, thy Lord, thy All?"

Charles Cooper answered, "I WILL!"

Friend, have you done that? If so, you can indeed thank God, and say,

"Tis done! the great transaction's done;
I am my Lord's and He is mine."

It is a great day when one signs up to become an apprentice. It is a great day when one marries a Christian; it is a great transaction. But the greatest transaction of any life is when a sinner accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.

Do not delay. Accept Him now.

"Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:6, 7.

Not Afraid, Are You?

A naval officer was sitting aboard ship calmly reading during a terrific storm. His wife, who was traveling with him, was nervously walking the floor. She was filled with alarm for the safety of the vessel.

Surprised and dismayed at his composure, she cried out, "My dear, are you not afraid? How can you be so calm in such a storm?"

The officer arose from his chair and drew his sword. Pointing it at his wife's breast, he said, "Are you not afraid?"

She instantly replied, "No, certainly not."

"Why?" was his next question.

"Because I know the sword is in the hand of my husband, and he loves me too well to hurt me."

"Then," said the officer, "remember that 'I know whom I have believed.' He holds the winds in His fist, and the waters in the hollow of His hand."

Paul could say: "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against THAT DAY." 2 Tim. 1:12.

Sin!

Sin is awful.

One definition of sin is LAWLESSNESS. In God's sight, that does not exaggerate its awfulness. It is awful, because it is against God.

"Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned," said David. Psa. 51:4.

Men do not think of sin as so awful. They think of it only as it affects themselves, their neighbors, or their circumstances. If they thought of it as David did, they would be as penitent as he was. Sin is against God, and "The wages of sin is death." Rom. 6:23.

"These shall go away into everlasting punishment." Matt. 25:46.

These are well-known Scriptures. They speak of the future and sure condemnation of the sinner. There are sufferings for sin in this present time also.

Why is there so much suffering in the world? No one escapes it. Sickness, death, bereavement, losses, disappointments, disasters, tears, sorrow upon sorrow, poverty and woe—everywhere—present suffering, future and eternal suffering. Why?

SIN, SIN is the cause of all suffering. How awful it must be in God's sight! As one has well said: "One sin in God's sight is more awful than a thousand, ''ea, than all sin in our sight." But there is one sin more awful than any other sin. It is the greatest sin of which any one can be guilty.

Idolatry is an awful sin. It is a universal sin. It is a great mistake to think that only those are idolaters who bow down to images, to "sticks and stones." "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me," is the first commandment. Ex. 20:3. Everything that displaces God, that comes between one's soul and God, so as to rob Him of His rightful, preeminent place, is idolatry. Ephesians 5:5 says whoremongers, unclean persons, and the covetous are idolaters. Even Christians are exhorted "to keep themselves from idols." 1 John 5:21. But idolatry is not the greatest sin.

Theft, robbery— they are awful too. We justly warn against "snitching," taking property, however insignificant, that belongs to someone else. Such small beginnings deaden the conscience and most often lead to disgraceful endings. Yet thievery is not the greatest sin.

Murder—how we are shocked at it! The Word of God says, "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer." 1 John 3:15. It is therefore, a most common sin, and awful, indeed; but there is a sin greater still.

The Lord Jesus said, "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matt. 5:28. What an awful sin! How prevalent! Yet there is a sin that is worse than adultery.

A dreadful catalog of human sinfulness this is indeed; but the worst sin is not yet mentioned. Do you ask, "What can it be?" I will tell you: Man's greatest sin is unbelief in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Unbelief in the Lord Jesus Christ makes God a liar. "He that believeth not God, hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son." 1 John 5:10.

Unbelief in the Lord Jesus Christ puts the unbeliever in the position of condemnation already. "He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God." John 3:18.

"He that believeth not (the gospel) shall be damned." Mark 16:16.

"He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36.

Unbelief in Jesus of Nazareth puts every unbeliever in the company of those who put Him to death. Like that shameless, self-righteous and self-deceived crowd, the unbeliever condemns Him as a deceiver and a blasphemer, and is as guilty as they. Though he may have a clean record before men, and be able to say with the young man in the gospel, "All these have I kept from my youth up," yet he is guilty of this, the greatest sin.

Reader, are you shocked at this sin of others? Do you protest against any and all kinds of sin, and yet reject Christ? Then you are committing the greatest sin. You do not believe on HIM.

You acknowledge as historically true His peerless, spotless life, but you have never accepted for yourself His sacrificial, atoning death. His teachings, you say, command respect, but they have never touched your heart. "I stand upon my own merit," you claim, "and I expect God to accept me. I am honest and moral, but I do not believe on Jesus."

Reader, it is thus you make the Lord Jesus Christ a liar! He has said: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." John 14:6.

This is the crime above all crimes: the rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you an unbeliever in the precious Savior of sinners? Then you stand guilty before God of this most awful sin. And you are without excuse. He Himself declares: "He that is not with Me is against Me." Matt. 12:30.

Day by Day

Just for today, my Savior;
Tomorrow is not mine!
Just for today I ask Thee
For light and help divine.
Tomorrow's care I need not bear:
The future is all Thine.

Today I bring my measure
To Thee, that Thou mayest fill
And bless it, Lord, and teach me
To trust and to be still.
Today I'd be, my God, for Thee,
And do Thy holy will.

Just for today, my Savior!
For e'er the morning break
Thy voice may call me unto Thee;
Then I shall no more walk
The desert path with need of faith,
But face to face shall talk.

And if I have Thee near, Lord,
Today, why should I grieve
Because of what I have not
And may not need to have?
Each day, I pray Thee, have Thy way!
And I will trust Thee day by day.

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8

A True Story of Arnhem

Perhaps you know about Arnhem. The story of the bravery and sufferings of soldiers there will have a distinguished place in the recorded history of World War 2.

When the main body of British troops finally reached this little district in Holland which had witnessed such harrowing scenes, a sergeant reconnoitering a site for his section came across a young German paratrooper who had been killed in the final attack. He was one of many, and in those last days of the bitter struggle there was less time than ever for sympathy or tenderness of heart. The gilt edge of a Bible which protruded from the tunic pocket of the dead youth caught the sergeant's eye, however, and he stooped to examine it. It was a beautifully bound volume and apparently it had been well used.

Being himself a Christian, the sergeant's heart was deeply touched as he looked again at his erstwhile enemy. Feelings which do not know the hatred of national differences or racial distrust were aroused. Soon there would be better times of peace when he might be able to bring some comfort to the bereaved parents if he sent them this Bible, which obviously had been a cherished possession of their son. Actuated by these motives, he took the Bible and hurried on in pursuit of his duties.

More than two years later, the sergeant demobilized and again in his family circle, showed the Bible to a friend. To his regret, he had been unable to fulfill the purpose he had in taking it since no address appeared on it. The name was clearly written, but this did not give any clue as to the whereabouts of the relatives.

Interested in its story, the friend perused the Bible to see the rendering in German of certain passages he knew well. In so doing, he discovered that a verse in Isaiah, chapter 9, was underlined. It reads thus: "For the leaders of this people cause them to ere; and they that are led of them are destroyed."

This greatly deepened the interest of the reader, and immediately he searched throughout all the text to discover if there was any other marking. There was only one more, but the significant association of the two verses seemed so wonderful that for the moment he was quite overcome. The other verse was Romans 8:28.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

In underlining the first of these passages, the young German had doubtless in mind the men who had led his country to ruin, but we may infer that his judgment was based upon what he had found true of himself. When confronted with the truth as to our own sinful condition, naturally we shrink from it. But hearken to the glorious invitation which, if heeded, will dispel all fear and terror from our breasts. Even our sins and iniquities, repented of and cleansed by His precious blood, can be used of God as some of the "all things" that teach us hard-to-learn lessons of His love and grace.

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18.

He Won't Give Me up

I was really worried. Some weeks ago Bruce, my friend and brother in Christ, had gone on business to Birmingham, the big city in the adjoining state. Before leaving he had turned over to me some accounts he carried, and asked that I represent him in his absence if any of them required it. He said he would not be gone long and would keep in touch with me. I was pleased to do this small favor for him as I had at such times before.

Over the years since Bruce's conversion we had enjoyed a close relationship. I, as his pastor, rejoiced in my Christian brother's growth in the knowledge of the Word of God. He too delighted in the deep truths and glorious promises he found in Scripture. On one subject though we could not agree: Bruce's intolerance of fault or failing in a professing Christian. "You can't tell ME," he would say, "that a wicked sinner who has received God's forgiveness and accepted as for himself the sacrifice of His beloved Son can ever go back to his old ways. I say that such a person has never been a child of God, and Hebrews 10:26-29 will bear me out."

In vain I had sought to explain the two natures that are at war in the believer, and the loving advocacy of the Son before the God of all grace. Bruce would have none of it. Instead, he would quote, "Be ye holy; for I am holy," 1 Pet. 1:16. Once I had responded: "Bruce, God may have to let you make a sad misstep in order to prove to you that His love never fails. He'll never let go of those who have been washed in the precious blood of Christ. They have cost too much."

Now after his weeks of absence and failure to write to me I was worried. Could he be sick? Had he been injured? I lifted up my heart to God for guidance and for His watchful care over my dear friend Bruce.

Sharing my deep concern with my wife was a relief; and how simply she helped me! "Why don't you take the train to Birmingham this afternoon? You would be gone only a couple of days, and I can handle things here for you. Call the hotels there. He must be registered in one of them. And cheer up! Remember our verse? 'I being in the way, the Lord led me.' "

So it was that before many hours had passed I was in that busy city. I went directly to a hotel where I had often stayed, and the night clerk assigned me to a quiet comfortable room. While waiting in the lobby for a bellboy, I asked the clerk to see if my friend Bruce was registered or if he had been there in the past few weeks. As I gave Bruce's name a peculiar expression came on the man's face. Then hesitantly he asked: "Are you—close friends?"

I answered quickly and positively: "Yes, we are." Then I added: "I am his pastor."

A smile of relief replaced the odd expression I had noted. "Your friend is here—room 416—but he may not want to see you. He is drinking heavily." And, as he handed me my key, the clerk almost whispered: "Thank God, you are here, sir."

"Room 416." Bruce was here. I knew I could not sleep before seeing my friend, but I had to pray. Kneeling in my room I cried to God for the courage and wisdom that I needed, and for the prepared heart of His erring child. As I prayed I was encouraged by a verse that came to mind: "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." Eph. 6:10. All the way down the hall and up the stairs towards the fourth floor that verse sang in my heart.

Room 416, at last. Instead of knocking, I tried the doorknob. The door opened! There before me at a small writing table Bruce sat, his head bowed on his arms, a partly emptied bottle before him. As the door clicked shut behind me his head with its tousled mane of red hair lifted. Before I could speak he burst out: "Why did you come? I'm just a rotter—a derelict going straight to hell. Oh, why did you come?"

As gently as I could I answered him, "Bruce, I didn't come to condemn you. Not one word of blame will you get from me. But let me ask you: how could you do it?"

A derisive laugh was my answer. Then sobering somewhat Bruce spoke. "Why, don't you know? I'm a jolly good fellow. I went with the boys to dinner. Drinks were served. I was tired. I took one—to help me through the evening. One called for another—another—another. I passed out. They brought me here. When I waked the old craving was back. I wanted more—and more—and more.

"Oh, yes, I thought I could stop—that I was my own master. I opened my Bible. It had nothing for me. I threw it aside. When I tried to pray, no words came. I gave it up. There on the table was a fresh bottle I had ordered. Ah, I still had it—my good friend—it, and the others that followed."

Silently asking for divine help, I said: "Bruce, I still don't condemn you, but I have one more question. When you were at your lowest depths, did God give you up? Was His love nothing to you?"

Without a word the poor face before me crumpled. Tears streamed from his eyes and his shoulders shook with barely stifled sobs. As the storm of emotion subsided Bruce's response was what I longed to hear "That's what breaks my heart! He won't give me up."

Oh how I thanked the God of all grace, the Father of mercies, for this broken heart! One could feel His nearness to His erring child. Would such love and goodness bring forth repentance and a truly contrite spirit? Completely dependent on the Spirit of God for the needed Word, and words, I repeated scripture after scripture showing forth the constant Presence, the advocacy and all-sufficiency of Him whose precious blood cleanses from all sin. As I quoted 1 John 1: 9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness— "Bruce's head lifted, and a look of intense comprehension brightened his face.

"All unrighteousness," he repeated softly. "And I was so full of my own righteousness! Only filthy rags in the sight of God. How can He forgive me?" And now the penitent tears were flowing.

How complete is the work of the Spirit of God in a truly humble and contrite soul! Never again did I see arrogance, intolerance, or self-righteousness manifested in the soon restored spirit of my dear friend Bruce. Instead, with humbleness of heart and constant dependence upon the keeping power of the Savior of sinners, he thereafter proved that he had lost all confidence in the flesh.

What a hard lesson to have to learn: that it is impossible to keep one's self from stumbling in the way. But, dear child of God, how blessed it is to rest in the word that we are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Pet. 1:5.

The President's Message

In a speech given at Denver, Colorado, on the occasion of the Tercentenary Celebration of the publication of the King James Version of the Bible, Woodrow Wilson, then president of the United States, said: "This Book (the Bible) reveals men unto themselves—not as creatures under bondage, not as men under human authority, not as those bidden to take counsel and command of any human source. It reveals every man to himself as a distinct moral agent, responsible not to men, not even to those men whom he has chosen to be over him in authority, but responsible through his conscience to his Lord and Maker."

He continued: "There are kings upon the pages of Scripture; but do you think of any king in Scripture as anything else than a mere man? There was the great King David, of a line blessed because from it would spring our Lord and Savior. True, David was a man marked in the history of mankind as the chosen instrument of God to do justice, and exalt righteousness.

"But what does this Bible do for David? Does it utter eulogies upon him? Does it conceal his faults and magnify his virtues? Does it set him up as a great statesman would be exalted in a modern biography? No; the book in which his annals are written strips the mask from David, strips every shred of counterfeit and concealment from him. It shows him as indeed an instrument of God, but a sinful man; and the verdict of the Bible is that David, like other men, must one day be judged of God, not as a king, but as a man. Isn't this the Book of the people? Is there any man in this Holy Scripture who is exempted from the common standard and judgment? How these pages teem with the masses of mankind! Are these the annals of the great? These are the annals of the people-of the common run of men.

"And how many souls of men march across its pages: how infinite is the variety of human circumstances and of human dealings, of human heroism and love! Is this a picture of extraordinary beings? No! This is a picture of the common life of mankind. It is a mirror held up for men's hearts, and it is in this mirror that we marvel to see ourselves portrayed."

Sir Walter Scott, broken in fortune and shattered in health, said to his son-in-law: "Bring me the Book." "What book?" asked Lockhart.

"There is but ONE BOOK," was his answer.

Locke, the most acute thinker and reasoner known in two centuries, spent the last fourteen years of his life in constant Bible study. At the end of that time, he said: "It had GOD for its Author, salvation for its end, and truth without mixture of error for its matter."

Sir Samuel Johnson, addressing some young men, said, "Attend the voice of one who attained to a degree of learning and fame, now about to appear before his Maker: Read the Bible every day of your life."

You have heard the story of the African chief to whom an Englishman presented a looking-glass. After viewing himself he dashed it to the ground breaking it to pieces. Why? Because it revealed himself, without flattery! But his action did not alter his features, any more than man's refusal to own THE BOOK as divine can alter his condition. How true the President's words, "It is a mirror held up for man's heart, and it is in this mirror that we marvel to see ourselves portrayed."

In this wonderful Book of books we see, not only ourselves, in all our weakness and frailty, but THE BOOK was given to show forth the Perfect Man, a GLORIOUS PERSON.

From Genesis to Malachi, from Matthew to Revelation, the Person of Christ is the Bible's blessed theme—in type and prophecy in the Old Testament, in history and doctrine in the New, all is redolent with His glorious Person. He is heaven's answer to earth's degradation and sin; God's remedy for man's guilt and ruin; the only Savior who, in infinite love, laid aside His glory and came to this sin-cursed earth to settle once and for all the question of good and evil, to make full atonement for sin, to satisfy every claim of God's holiness, and by His death and resurrection to vanquish every foe, to lead captivity captive, and taking His seat on high to become the object of saving faith.

Reader, let this revelation from God be to you what it was to David: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psa. 119:105.

Wander no longer in the labyrinth of reason and doubt, but come into the blessed sunlight of the infallible Word, accept its truths, and make the Savior of whom it speaks your own heart's trust.

Here alone will your weary soul find rest, and your life given you by God be lived to His glory.

"The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psa. 119:130.

Certainty or Uncertainty?

One of the most eminent scientists of recent years, in concluding a book which gives a brilliant account of the attempts to explore the mysteries of the universe, makes the following statement: "So, at least we are tempted to conjecture today. Yet who knows how many more times the stream of knowledge may turn on itself? And with this reflection before us we may well conclude by adding—what might have been interlined into every paragraph—that everything that has been said and every conclusion that has been tentatively put forward is quite frankly speculative and uncertain. We have tried to discuss whether present day science has anything to say on certain difficult questions, which are perhaps set forever beyond the reach of human understanding. We cannot claim to have discerned more than a very faint glimmer of light at the best—perhaps it was wholly illusory, for certainly we had to strain our eyes very hard to see anything at all! So that our main contention can hardly be that the science of today has a pronouncement to make: perhaps it ought rather to be that science should leave off making pronouncements: the river of scientific knowledge has too often turned back on itself." The wisdom of this writer in thus guarding his statements on matters which must even now be regarded as unsolved is fully recognized.

The uncertainty with which he, as one of the great authorities, was impelled thus to speak, in his honest recognition of the limitation of man's intellectual vision, also serves to emphasize the folly of many less instructed, who are ready to hail every theory as though it were proved, and to "depart from the faith" by refusing the Word of God because it does not appear to coincide with the tentative and unproved theories of men.

There are, however, matters of the first magnitude of which it is possible to speak with great certainty, and these are found in the Holy Scriptures, where are recorded the words which "holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

The Christian faith is not "conjecture" or "tentative" or in "speculative" or "illusory." It has an unmistakable pronouncement to make, upon the authority of the Word of the living God, and upon "the immutability of His counsel," for "it is impossible for God to lie."

Sir Ambrose Fleming, a renowned British scientist, said: "We must not build on the sands of an uncertain and ever-changing science but upon the rock of the inspired Scriptures, which do not comprise the guesses of fallible minds, but utterances of holy men of God who spoke by the Holy Ghost."

Friends, listen to the witness of some of these "holy men of God." They speak with delightful certainty.

Solomon, who was wiser than all men, said, "Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee KNOW THE CERTAINTY of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?"

Luke the evangelist wrote, "It seemed good to me... to write...that thou mightest KNOW THE CERTAINTY of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed."

Job the patriarch said, "I KNOW that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth."

Paul the Apostle said, "I KNOW whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day."

John, the beloved disciple, said, "We have KNOWN and believed the love that God hath to us. GOD IS LOVE."

Let the authoritative "pronouncement" of the Apostle Paul be accepted and believed: "Be it KNOWN UNTO YOU... that through this Man (Christ Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him, all that believe are justified from all things."

Wounded for My Transgressions (Isaiah 53:5)

Wounded for my transgressions!
Slowly the words I read;
Swiftly the tears will gather,
Truly the heart should bleed.
Wonderful condescension!
Matchless, infinite grace;
Jesus, the Sinless—holy—

Taking the sinner's place.
Wonderful, wonderful story!
Wonderful depth of love!
Laying aside His glory,
Leaving the courts above;
Jesus, the Man of sorrows,
Homeless and friendless—He;
Wounded—so cruelly wounded,
Bruised—and broken—for me.

Fiercely the storm sweeps round
Him! Darkly the shadows fall;
Wrath, and anger, and judgment—
Jesus—bearing it all.
Draining the cup of anguish,
Dying on Calvary's tree:
Wonderful plan of redemption:
Jesus—dying—for me!

"There is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Acts 4:12.

The Country Blacksmith

He was an expert in his day when the country blacksmith was a great necessity. Usually the master of the anvil was highly respected in his community, not only for his ability, but also for his valued opinion on general matters. In our village the smithy was a gathering point and the blacksmith himself was an interesting person.

One day when his wife was ill I called to extend sympathy and ask how she was getting along. Before long the subject of religion came up. As usual, the blacksmith soon expressed his mind by saying: "My religion is to do the best one can, and meet death bravely at the end. If a man is sincere and acts up to his belief, he has the same chance as those who make a great profession."

The words were spoken in a defiant voice and the man's visage was anything but pleasant as he uttered them.

His wife had been converted and was well thought of in the village, but her husband was no lover of the gospel or its preachers. That was no great wonder, nor is it always a hopeless sign. Men are often most violent in their opposition to God when their consciences are ill at ease about sin. I saw it would do no good to argue, so I merely said, "I could not meet death bravely, if I had no better ground to stand on than that I have done my best. Thank God, I am able to look forward to it without fear because Jesus Christ did "His best" for me, and in Him alone I stand." I said no more, and he turned away and resumed his work in silence.

On the following Sunday night, to my astonishment he was at the meeting seated beside his wife. For many nights thereafter he was present. On the last Sunday of the year he came forward before leaving, and in a voice trembling with emotion said, "I have lost my old religion, sir. I have trusted in Christ, who did His best for me."

Since then time has proved him to be truly saved, and his testimony to his self-righteous neighbors is, "Do not trust in your religion, or in your sincerity. Throw everything to the winds, and trust in Jesus Christ who saves sinners."

If you are one who believes as the old blacksmith did, I warn you plainly that such religion will never take you to heaven. It may do very well in the eye of man, in the place of business, or in the streets. But it will never comfort you. It will never satisfy your conscience. It will never save your soul. It will never take you to glory. It will be utterly useless in eternity. The door is open to all; the invitation is to "whosoever will," and the testimony of the Son of God is, "By Me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved." John 10:9.

Put the Corporal's Name Down

One night just before the Armistice we were gathering the boys in khaki into a hall for a gospel service. A young corporal came by, leisurely smoking his pipe. "This is the place for you, corporal," I said; "come in, and hear the story of Jesus, the soldier's Savior and Friend."

"What place is this?" he asked. I told him that it was a hall in which the gospel of God's salvation for sinful men was preached without charge; that we did not want his money, but would be very happy if we could win his soul for the Lord Jesus. He took his pipe from his mouth and knocking out the ashes said, "I think I'll come in."

He listened with the rest to the story of the death and resurrection of the Savior—an old story— intensely precious to many, and yet reckoned out of date and discarded by the majority. When the preaching was over he got up to go. I stopped him, and said, "A lot of the men are staying for a second meeting, corporal. Won't you stay, too?"

"I'd like to," he said, "I'll tell you the words that came into my mind when you asked me to come in here; they were: 'maybe this is the way to liberty.' "

"That was good," I said, "and true too, if here you yield yourself to Christ! But tell me, do you need liberty? Are you in bondage?"

"I surely am," he said. "I thought I was fairly decent before I joined up, but I'm all wrong now. I'll stay with the boys and listen in."

The corporal had given me a good text for that second meeting. I pass it on to you; it is a well-known one, but they are generally the most useful. It was this: "I am the door; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved and shall go in and out (there is liberty for you) and find pasture." John 10:9.

These are the words of Jesus, and they tell us as plainly as words can tell us, that He is the way to blessing, to liberty, and satisfaction for any and all men. I endeavored to make plain to those listening soldiers in that informal talk, how Jesus had become the door of salvation for us all by giving His life a ransom for all. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." Isa. 53:5.

Feeling that the time had come to press them to make a decision for Christ, I said to them, "If I were to write these words on a sheet of paper, 'I am a lost sinner unable to save myself. I accept the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior and yield myself to Him,' who among you would sign it?"

I waited for answers, and the first one came from the corporal. He raised his hand, and said: "Put the corporal's name down." And, thank God, he meant it.

Perhaps like you, my reader, he was an unhappy man. It was the mercy of God that had led him to the gospel meeting that night. He had been an unconverted churchgoer before he joined the army, religious but not saved. But when he donned the khaki he had doffed all religious pretense. Getting his corporal's stripes did not help him; the pleasures of sin did not make him happy. He realized that, like chains, his sins were binding him a helpless prisoner. He needed deliverance. He longed for liberty. He had become sick of his sinful life and the devil's service. He found that night the Lord releases the prisoners.

You say, how can this be? Listen. Our Lord Jesus Christ "was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification. Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Where sin abounded grace did much more abound."

Sin no longer has dominion over those who are the Lord's freed men. God means what He says. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Gal. 5:1

Not yet

What has God to say about accepting His offer for the soul's eternal blessing? "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Promptly the devil whispers, "Not yet! There is plenty of time."

Thus the arch-deceiver spoke to Edward Lane, chief mate on board the "Harriet." After a gospel message, his Christian captain had urged him to decide immediately for Christ. Ed had heard many times the sweet story of God's love to lost mankind as shown in the gift of His own dear Son. Like many others, the mate had never taken to himself his lost estate and need of a Savior; and now his response was: "OK, Captain, after Christmas! Now don't worry about me, Christmas will soon be here. We'll be in port, and I'll have a last fling. Then I promise you that I’ll accept Christ as my Savior."

The captain sadly turned away. He saw that his mate's thoughts were centered on the "good times" ahead. He was full of the joy of living and could anticipate nothing better than the worldly pleasures of the coming weeks. Not for him at this time could be Moses' decision to "suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."

After bidding his young mate "Good night," the captain sought the solitude of his own quarters. There he could bear up before the Lord the dire need of all aboard for whom he felt a spiritual responsibility. But even as he knelt to pray, the captain heard a rush of footsteps followed by the cry, "Man overboard!"

Yes, it was Ed Lane. Reaching over the quarterdeck to draw in an entangled log-line, he had overbalanced, lost his footing, and plunged into the cold black waters of the ocean. Before the boat's engines could be reversed, she had traveled quite a way beyond the spot where poor Ed had hurtled into the darkness. Though the bright search lights played over the waters and every eye scanned hopefully each ocean wave, the general thought from the first was: "Not a chance!" To the captain came the word of Scripture: "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Prov. 29:1.

In spite of all that brave crew could do, their efforts were in vain. Ed Lane was lost to them and to the world he loved. Did he in those last desperate moments cry for help from the One he had rejected? His promise is to "save to the uttermost them that come unto God by Him." Or did the helpless man feel the terrible sting and agony of remembering that, not many minutes before, eternal salvation in Christ had been offered him, and that he had refused it?

Oh, my unsaved reader, will it not intensify for you the pangs of hell if you must remember throughout eternity that pardon, peace, eternal life and endless joys with Christ were once offered you, and that you refused them?

"Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Prov. 27:1.

The Supreme Giver

One great difference between God's world and man's world is that man's world is founded on buying and selling. One gets nothing for nothing. The more labor man bestows on his product, the more he charges for it; but when one comes directly to God, "He giveth to all men liberally." God is the supreme Giver—He gives for nothing.

Men today are perishing upon every hand because they are disregarding God and turning their backs upon the only way of salvation. If God had not stepped in in the might of His love and taken up the question of my sins I would have perished, and so would you. But what does the Scripture say? "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Two Sons

"A certain man had two sons... Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant." Luke 15:11, 25-26.

We often read with interest the parable of the prodigal's return, but many stop at the end of that, and forget that "a certain man had two sons." We like to hear how the wanderer was received back; but does the question ever arise: What about the elder son? What became of him?

Are any of you who read this little paper still in company with the elder son of the parable? All are either inside, rejoicing with the Father in His joy, and thus identified with the returned wanderer; or outside in company with the elder son. If this last, my friend, why? Look a moment at his history: "He came and drew nigh to the house," and hearing the music and dancing, he wanted to know what it was all about. Have you ever wondered what makes your believing relatives and friends so happy? Have you asked yourself what such joy means?

God the Father rejoices in the return of the lost ones. They have confessed that they were once in "the far country," but have now been brought to God, and they are glad. Then how about you, dear reader? Are you, like the elder son, angry too? Why? Is not the door open for you, the same door by which the younger brother entered? Indeed it is! It is still kept open by a hand of love.

"He was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him." The angry elder son stood on the outside and his father, the master of the house, came out himself to "entreat"! "As though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

How blessed it is that God can thus "come out," for the Savior has been right down into the very depths of death to enable a holy God to come out in righteousness, as well as grace, and save "all that come unto God by Him."

Friend, do you join hands with this stubborn elder son in his answer to the entreaties of love? "Lo, these many years do I serve thee; neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment; and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends." Is this your answer too to the entreaty of love? It is full of pride, self-righteousness and selfishness: pride, in his length of service; self-righteousness, in his claim never to have transgressed; and utter selfishness, as shown in his complaint that his father had never given him a kid that he might make merry with his friends. His desire was not for his father's company, but for the gift that he might enjoy with his friends. Is this your desire, dear unconverted reader, still standing outside, angry and proud? God is keeping the door open, as it were, with His hand on the latch, entreating you to enter even up to the very last moment.

Do you say the elder son is a picture of the Jew? No doubt he is; but the first elder son we read of in Scripture was no Jew. Cain was not a Jew, and Cain's has been the sad history of every proud, self-righteous, selfish sinner ever since. Cain's end, as described in the epistle of Jude, will be the everlasting end of all such.

Oh, pause and think. You may be inside, rejoicing in the company and love of the Father, having come to an end of yourself, naked except for what the Father's grace has provided to cover you, and rejoicing in His joy at having His lost one back. Else you are outside, refusing to come in, "angry, and would not come in"; proud, in standing up in your own strength before Him; self-righteous, in cleaving to your own wretched morality apart from Him; and selfish, in refusing Him the joy of blessing you according to His own heart of love.

It may be you know that you have no righteousness of your own, and you would gladly have the blessing. If so, what saith the Word to you? "We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." Everything has been done; all that God has of blessing is there for you in Christ. The door of His mercy stands wide open, for "He hath made Him to be sin for us (He) who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." Sinner, God beseeches you, why do you stand without?

"Because there is wrath, beware lest He take thee away with His stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee." Job 36:18.

Visited in the Night

He had been a religious and moral man all his life, gone regularly to church, occasionally to gospel meetings, read his Bible frequently, and had a respect for divine things. He had enjoyed excellent health until a few weeks before we met, when he was suddenly seized with an attack of congestion of the lung and was taken to the hospital. His case was a most serious one, and he was given to understand that it might end fatally in a very short time.

As he lay awake that night in the hospital he reflected on his alarming condition, and with it came the overwhelming fact that he might very soon have to meet God. The verse in Hebrews 9 came before him: "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."

"How can I stand before God?" He asked himself the question. And then, in rapid succession, his religion, his morality, his fancied good works passed before his mind; but brought into God's very presence they were as rapidly dismissed as utterly unfit for the all-discerning eye of God. In that solemn moment his sins were not more intolerable than his fancied good works. There was no assumption about his sins, but there was about his fancied "good works." His "righteousness" were indeed then seen by him to be but "filthy rags" (Isa. 64: 6). Finding thus that he had absolutely nothing to rest his poor stricken soul upon in God's presence, he was brought to that most blessed crisis when the poor sinner finds out for the first time that there is nothing that self can do for salvation.

He thought to himself, "I must get a Bible." But where? He got out of bed in an agony of mind, expecting to die at any moment and be lost. As he lay back down, suddenly like a ray of light from heaven, that most precious verse in John 3 stole into his recollection: "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Ah, it was the blessed Spirit of God in those lonely hours presenting the Word to the poor fainting soul. As the drowning man clutches the rope cast to him by a friendly hand, this conscience-stricken man asked himself the question: "Why should I not make that verse my own? It says 'whosoever.' I therefore have a right to it. It is the word of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself: He would never deceive me. I will take it," he said. "That 'whosoever' means me. I do believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the One whom God gave for me; and blessed be God, I have everlasting life."

From that night this man's conscience was set at rest about his sins through Christ's death for them. His heart's affections had gone out to that blessed One who had so loved him and given Himself for him, and whose precious announcement he had received with such simple, childlike faith.

A Hint to Gospel Preachers

Daniel Webster, the famous American orator and politician, spent a summer in New Hampshire. Every Sunday found him in church, paying marked attention to the sermon.

His niece asked how it was that he paid so much attention there, when he paid little attention to far abler sermons in Washington.

He replied: "In Washington they preach to Daniel Webster, the statesman; but this man has been telling Daniel Webster, the sinner, of Jesus Christ."

The Shepherd Found Me

The Shepherd found me in His boundless grace
And love, before I knew that I was lost;
My tiny footsteps scarcely had begun
To tread the path of danger ere I saw
The Shepherd close beside me; 'twas enough!
No sense of danger made me seek His arms,
I did but catch a glimpse of His dear face,
Then gladly let Him lift me to His breast.
And only after that, when I was safe,
And felt His arms encircling me with love,
Did He Himself point out the road beneath,
And let me see the precipice below.
I saw His love before I saw my need,
I knew my safety long before I knew
The awful death from which He rescued me;
And though I cannot tell when this took place,
Or when I first was clasped in His embrace,
I only know He found me—I am His.

"He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him."

Heb. 7:25.

Story of a Flood

Through the month of December one storm after another brought record rainfall to California. Temperatures higher than usual had melted much of the snow in the mountains. Lakes and reservoirs filled to overflowing and still the rains came. The rivers ran deeper and soon overflowed their banks.

Higher and higher the water crept. Highways and railroad tracks were covered and then washed away. Homes and other buildings were pushed off their foundations by the force of the water. Some farmers put their horses and cows into barns only to have the flood waters come ever higher and destroy both barn and animals. Other farmers drove their animals to hilltops where they were safe.

As the days passed and the storms continued, warnings went out in the newspapers and over the radio telling people of the peril and urging them to get out of the danger areas. Besides this, groups of men went from house to house and from one farm to another, warning people to flee.

So it was that some men stood at the door of a cabin on Bull Creek, waiting to rescue its occupant, an old man, from the rising waters of the Eel River. They told him that the river was rising so fast that he must leave immediately. But he refused their kindness, as he answered them, "I have lived in this cabin for many years. The river has never risen above that peg, and it can't happen now!"

His rescuers, however, knew that the water was going to rise yet more and would surely reach the very ground on which they were standing. Finding that their warnings were in vain, the men went boldly into the cabin, took the man up in their arms and carried him up the slope to higher ground. Here he was not only safe from the floodwaters but also would be cared for and fed.

How kind it was of those men to go forth to sound the warning of coming destruction, and not only to sound out the warning but also to actually carry a man to safety! What was their dismay and astonishment, however, when they saw the man running back to his cabin! The rescuers speedily followed but before they could overtake the man he was back inside. Now the rescuers again were at his door. Their knocking went unheeded and likewise their urgent calling. They tried the door but found it locked. Then with shoulder to door they tried to force their way in but again they failed.

The river had continued to rise and now was almost to the cabin. As the rescuers continued their pleading they looked up and saw a large wave coming down upon them. Now concerned for their own safety they ran for their lives. From the safe, high ground they looked back and saw the raging torrent hit the cabin with such force that it was torn from its foundation and smashed to pieces.

What must have been the thoughts then of the foolish man who had locked himself inside his cabin? He had just insisted that "It can't happen now"—but it did happen! In his proud self-confidence he lost everything—not just the cabin, but his life as well.

Dear reader, let me warn you of a worse flood that is coming on this poor world. God's judgment is soon to fall on all those who turn a deaf ear to the gospel of His grace and on those who neglect that free salvation which He offers in and through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Long ago, God said, "Behold ye and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you." Hab. 1:5. The work that God did was to provide a way by which sinners can be forgiven and made safe for heaven. The way of salvation is by faith in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

"Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 4:7

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" Heb 2:3.

Two Strings to Your Bow

He was indeed an old man—ninety-seven years of age, wore no glasses, and had all his faculties in a remarkable degree, and looked the very picture of health!

I was a stranger to him, but had been asked to visit him. After inviting me to be seated, he inquired as to the object of my call. I at once informed him that I had come to read the word of God to him, to speak to him about God, about Christ and His precious blood, about his soul and eternity.

He looked steadfastly at me, and said grimly that I might save my breath and time. He did not believe in anything of the sort, and was not troubled in the least about the future.

"I am ninety-seven years of age," he said, "and no thanks to anybody but myself. I have lived a most careful and abstemious life, and I mean to live three more years. When I am a hundred years old I shall have seen and had enough of life. Then I shall quietly lay myself down and die."

"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment," I rejoined "All fudge and nonsense," he said. "When a man is dead he is done with. There is no hereafter for him at all." Then for nearly an hour he quoted to me the most blasphemous passages from his favorite infidel authors.

My blood seemed to curdle in my veins as I listened unwillingly to his awful conversation. I looked at him and thought of his nearness to eternity. What a dread future awaited him if he died as he was! Surely God must have sent me to him with a message from Himself. I must bide my opportunity to deliver it.

As the old man paused for breath, I told him that I had listened to him for nearly an hour. Now he must listen to me for ten minutes. Quickly I began quoting the Scriptures which I knew were the sword of the Spirit.

"The FOOL hath said in his heart, There is no God." Psa. 53:1.

"The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." Psa. 9:17.

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

"And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

I then fell on my knees, and asked God to bless His word just quoted to the old man, to open his eyes to his danger, to deliver his precious soul from the diabolical grip of the fiend of hell, and let me meet him in glory as a brand plucked from the burning, and washed from all his sins in the blood of the Lamb in heaven.

As I rose from my knees our eyes met, full of tears. As I took my leave of him he grasped my hand. saying, "If there is a heaven I hope I shall meet you there. If you are wrong and I am right, you are as right as I am; but oh, if you are right and I am wrong, I am wrong indeed. You have two strings to your bow, while I have only one to mine."

I was unable to call again for a couple of weeks. When next I knocked at his door, his wife, a Christian woman, answered. To my question, "How is your husband?" she bade me follow her. As we entered the old man's bedroom, the object that met my gaze was the mortal remains of her husband! Death had suddenly closed his long career on earth. Thus had God summarily cut down the impious old boaster who had planned to live three years more in this world.

In further conversation with the wife, I learned that she still had a hope, a slim hope, of her husband's salvation. After my visit with him, he had found no comfort in infidelity. Although his friends., and even his doctor, who were all skeptics, urged him to "stick to his guns" and "die like a man," his infidel opinions had become to him but the blackness of darkness forever.

The one hope that soothed the wife's sad heart was the final scene with the dying man. Rousing somewhat from the increasing state of coma, he had taken her hand in his. As loudly as his fast ebbing strength would permit, and looking earnestly at her, he had proclaimed. "I believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, and in heaven and hell." He then breathed his last.

Dark, cold infidelity has nothing to comfort its deluded votaries in the hour of death. Christianity has everything to cheer its happy followers in sickness and in health, in poverty and in plenty, in life and in death, in time and in eternity. Confident of the love of God in Christ Jesus, the believer can say with the psalmist: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psa. 23:4, 6.

A Vital Truth Illustrated

Henry Moorhouse, a British evangelist, once said: "I find it difficult for many to take their place as guilty sinners before God. Some time ago a woman said to me, 'I cannot believe that one who has perhaps broken only one of the commandments can be as bad as another who has broken five or, maybe, all ten.'

"I said to her, 'But has it occurred to you, my friend, that God never gave five or ten laws? He gave only one LAW, and it consists of ten commandments.

“‘Look at this watch. Count the wheels and you will find ten or more. It is a broken watch, and will not run. Only one wheel is broken; but it is still a broken watch and will not go.'

"As the woman still could not see it, I said, 'Suppose you were hanging by a chain over a precipice. The chain consists of ten links. If someone took a hammer and smashed every link, where would you go?'

“‘To the bottom, of course.'

“‘But suppose only one link were broken, where would you go?'

“‘That would be just as bad; I would fall,' she said. 'And now I see the point. Even for one sin, I am a sinner, and need a Savior. Thank God for His Son-Jesus, my Savior from all sin.' "

Beloved, it takes just as much of the grace of God to save the best people in the world as to save the vilest. Nothing but grace through faith in the precious blood of Jesus Christ can give salvation to a lost soul and freedom from the law of sin."

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Rom. 8:1.

Soul Rest

I was on a long journey by train, and for much of the time had the coach to myself. Towards evening, at a roadside station, a workman entered, bringing his bag of tools. His day's toil was over, and, as he settled himself in his seat, soon he began to whistle. Some might think it rude for him to do so but he did not intend any rudeness.

Presently I perceived that he was whistling a sacred melody. During a momentary pause, I said, "Friend, I think I know that tune. I hope you enjoy the hymn that it belongs to."

"Thank God, I do, sir," was the reply. Then, with some emotion in his voice, he added, "And when I can't sing the words, I like to whistle the tune and think the words. It does me good, and cheers me up a bit! It's so true, sir, indeed it is! For it is well with my soul."

"When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea-billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou halt taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul."

Is This Worth Living for?

As a young girl, I had been touched by the sweet story of God's love as revealed in the mighty work of Christ on Calvary. In simplicity I had received Him as my Savior and taken my place among the people of God. This was enough to satisfy me until, in my late teens and nearing graduation, I slipped into close companionship with my peers in school. With them, I saw no evil in joining in with youthful "fun" and worldly pursuits. An appetite for these deceitful pleasures was born in me, and, sad to say, they were thoroughly enjoyed.

Though I still claimed to be a Christian and meticulously performed all religious duties (even singing in a paid quartet choir!) for many years my real pleasure was found in worldly amusements. Concerts, opera, high-class plays and movies occupied my leisure hours. No sense of a wounded conscience marred my on-going; yet when sheer weariness sometimes overtook me, a voice within whispered: "This is all very good if it could last forever. But remember, there must come an end—death—judgment—and after that—what?"

These occasional thoughts troubled me, I must confess, hindering what I so much desired—real, undisturbed joy. Yet, while I kept one foot in the world, as it were, the other one remained respectably in my place of worship which I attended every Sunday. However, my religion gave me even less satisfaction than my amusements.

This went on until a young friend, a companion of mine, was saved through that precious verse in God's Word: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

Shortly after she was saved, as we talked together, she asked me: "Is this world all that is worth living for?"

I became angry at her for disturbing my mind with questions about eternal things, and thereafter left her alone. But I could not get away from that question: "Is this world all that is worth living for?"

No, I knew it was not. What I had been enjoying of this world was satisfying only to the flesh. I knew I had a never-dying soul and that it required spiritual nourishment. I knew there was a heaven and a hell. I knew I was a sinner and had lived for years in rebellion against God and was on the road to destruction. My peace was broken. I saw my lost condition and resolved to lead a different life.

I began by attending church more often, and even reproved some of my companions who did not. I tried to pray. I asked God to have mercy on me. Still, no peace could I find until one day, while I was walking down the street, the lines of a hymn came into my mind:

"One there is above all others,
Oh, how He loves!"

I asked myself, can it be possible that God loves me? In a moment the answer came from God Himself in that verse: "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Rom. 5:6.

"Why, that is just me," I thought. "I am without strength, and have been living in ungodliness. If Christ died for such, He died for me."

There and then I trusted Him for my eternal salvation. If Christ died for me, He would never give me up! With penitent tears, I confessed my sins and failures, and lack of love to Him. A hitherto unknown sense of peace and joy filled my heart.

Oh, young woman, young man, consider: "Is this world all that is worth living for?" Listen to the good news-God loves you! Jesus shed His precious blood to save you from the wrath to come. This world and its pleasures can yield no lasting peace nor joy. Hear what Scripture says about it: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever." 1 John 2:15-17.

But you say, "I am young, and I want to be happy." If so, come to Christ; for it is only in Him that true joy is found. Confess Him as your very own Savior. His word to you is: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." John 6:47.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36.

More Than a Hope

When the things of God are considered, doubts, objections, and 'arguments characterize man's sinful heart. "Hath God said" was Satan's question in the Garden of Eden, and he is adept in instilling this same question in the minds of men today.

Martin Luther, in one of his many conflicts with the devil, was asked by the arch-enemy if he FELT his sins were forgiven.

"No," said the great reformer, "I DON'T FEEL THAT THEY ARE FORGIVEN, but I KNOW they are, because God says so in His word."

Paul did not say, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt FEEL saved"; but, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and THOU SHALT BE SAVED."

No one can FEEL that his sins are forgiven. Ask that man whose debt was paid by his brother. "Do you FEEL that your debt is paid?"

"No," is the honest reply. "I don't FEEL that it is paid; I KNOW FROM THIS RECEIPT that it is paid, and I FEEL HAPPY because I know it is paid."

So with you, dear reader. You must first believe in God's love to you as revealed at the cross of Calvary, and then you will FEEL HAPPY, because you will KNOW that you are saved.

And now let me ask you, in all love and earnestness: Is your soul safe for eternity? Do you reply, "I hope so"? But, dear friends, hoping is not enough; you ought to be certain.

"I fear I am not saved," you say. Then take your place as a lost sinner, and claim the lost sinner's Savior.

Another will say: "I intend to be saved sometime; but there is no great hurry."

What? No great hurry? Do you know that at this very moment you are condemned to be punished with everlasting destruction? "He that believeth not is condemned already." John 3:18. Without a moment's warning you may be called into God's presence; oh what will you then say? When asked why you refused His pardon and trampled under your feet the blood of His Son, what answer will you give? Your tongue will cleave to the roof of your mouth, and you will be speechless.

Thou Remainest

When from my life the old-time joys have vanished—
Treasures, once mine, I may no longer claim—
This truth may feed my hungry heart and famished,
Lord, THOU REMAINEST! Thou art still the same!

When streams have dried, those streams of glad refreshing—
Friendships so blest, so pure, so rich, so free;
When sun-kissed skies give place to clouds depressing—
Lord, THOU REMAINEST! Still my heart hath THEE.

When strength hath failed, and feet, now worn and weary,
On gladsome errands may no longer go—
Why should I sigh, or let the days be dreary?
Lord, THOU REMAINEST! Couldst Thou more bestow?

Thus through life's days—whoe'er or what may fail me,
Friends, friendships, joys, in small or great degree,
Songs may be mine-no sadness need assail me,
Since THOU REMAINEST, and my heart hath THEE.
"They shall perish; but Thou remainest." Heb. 1:11.

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Proverbs 28:13

Under the Wave

Old Martha Brown stood at the door of her tiny cottage, looking anxiously up and down the long white road. The sun was burning hot, with all the fierceness of a July noonday. How her head ached with the heat of it! Her tired eyes swam with gazing at the hard white glare of the road in front of her.

Suddenly she saw a blue clad figure slouching down the road towards her. She ran down the flagged path, and flinging open the little green gate, called in loving, thankful tones: "Jimmie! Jimmie! You've come at last!"

But her eyes were dim with age and the glare of the noonday; it was not until the man got closer that she saw that she had made a mistake. Although he was dressed in sailor's clothes, yet his face was to her the face of a stranger.

"Are you Mrs. Brown?" he inquired.

"Yes, but what do you want of me?" she asked. "My name is Peter Stone; I—I was—" he stammered, "I am a shipmate of your son, Jim."

The old woman's face lit up at the name.

"Ah, I've heard tell of you," she said, "but where's my son, my Jimmie?"

"He— he— the ship struck a rock— an— " Peter Stone could go no further, his face worked, and he turned from her.

"Ah!" A bitter little cry burst from her lips, but clenching her hands she controlled herself. Drawing Peter inside the cottage, she made him tell her all. He told how the ship, caught in a terrible storm, was hurled on to a cruel reef of rocks in the Pacific Ocean; that of a crew of a hundred men only twenty were saved. Jim Brown, the only son of his widowed mother, had drowned with the other eighty.

For some moments neither could speak. Then stifling her sobs Mrs. Brown asked: "Did you see my son die?"

"Yes," he faltered.

"Tell me, how did he die?" she urged.

"Mrs. Brown, I can't tell you."

"Oh, but you must," she replied. "You must tell me. I know he died at peace with God, for I have prayed so much for him."

Again he refused, but she persisted, until at last in a broken voice Peter Stone said: "He went down under the waves, cursing and swearing against God."

Martha Brown shrank back as if she had been struck. Then looking up she saw her favorite text over the fireplace, "WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE." Pointing to it, she said, "Even after what you have told me, I believe that God has saved my boy."

The old lady's voice shook a little and tears stood in her blue eyes. She brushed them away and turning to Peter said with such faith in her voice that he never forgot the words: "Then the Lord met him under the wave!"

Over six months had passed since Peter Stone brought to Martha the news of her son's death. She lived on alone in her little cottage, tending her garden and communing with her Lord. Her life was as sweet and fragrant as her flowers, and though there were lines of pain about her mouth and eyes, yet she never passed anyone in the village without a smile, and her very presence seemed to bless and gladden all with whom she came in contact. Still she prayed, and believed that God in His love and mercy had come to her son in his last moments and taken him to Himself.

For many years Jim had been a grief to his old mother. Though he had loved her in his own rough way, yet he had been a hard drinker and brawler and openly scoffed at all religion. But all the time that faithful old saint of God prayed and trusted that Jim would someday be saved. Even now, though she was told that he had been heard cursing and swearing as he slipped under the waves, she refused to give up hope.

On Christmas Eve she had a letter. She looked at the writing on the envelope but it was blotted and smeared. She tore it open, and scanned the half sheet of paper in it. The writing seemed to dance before her eyes, but with an effort she managed to read: "Dear Mother, I am alive, and I am coming home today. Praise God! He has saved both my body and my soul. Your loving son, JIMMIE."

Martha Brown laid the letter down on the table.

"Praise God!" she said, "for WITH HIM ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!"

That evening, while old Mrs. Brown sat alone in her cottage before the cozy fire, there came a knock on the door. Trembling, she rose to open it, and there stood her sailor-son. "Oh, Jimmie! At last, my boy, my boy," was her cry.

She saw a changed man, thinner and paler, but with a new look on his face, and a new light in his eyes. When the first glad greetings were over, Jim Brown told his mother how he was still alive. When almost drowned, he had clutched at a floating spar, and clinging to it, had, after many hours, managed to swim to land. He had been found by a fisherman, who carried him to his cottage. For weeks he had lain at the point of death, and when he finally recovered, he was too weak to attempt the long journey home. Finally, after earning some money by fishing, he managed to work his way back.

Martha Brown hung on his words, and when he had finished his story, she asked with eager voice: "But, Jimmie, how was it that you came to know Christ as your Savior?"

"Mother," he replied, "The Lord met me under the wave."

She started as she heard the very words that she herself had used.

He continued: "I seemed to see all my sinful life, and so I just cried, 'Lord, save me!' and He did."

"He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him." Heb. 7:25.

Curing a Bad Habit

"It wasn't my fault, Dad. We got in a fight and that kid called me a liar... and then he called my mother a bad name..."

Bill's father closed the bedroom door and began to take off his belt.

Bill had a bad habit. He used bad words and sometimes would even swear. Bill's mother had talked to him about it, but this morning when the fight developed, Bill began to swear, and his father called him into the house.

"Bill, we've told you over and over that it is a sin to take God's name in vain. You broke one of the Ten Commandments. Do you know that commandment?"

"Yes," replied Bill, "Mother made me memorize it: `Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.' "

"Do you know what that means, 'will not hold guiltless'?"

"I guess it means God will punish those who swear," answered Bill.

"Do you know that Someone was already punished for the swearing you did today?" asked Dad.

"Who, Dad?"

"Jesus was, son. When the Son of God hung on the cross of Calvary, He was dying there because you swore this morning... When the nails were driven into His hands, it was because you swore... When God left Him all alone in the darkness of Calvary, it was because of your swearing. He was punished because you swore."

"Then if Jesus was punished because I swore, why will God punish me too?"

"God won't punish you," replied Bill's father, "if you are willing to admit that you are a sinner and accept Jesus' punishment as your punishment. If you trust Him as your Savior, the One who took your place when the swearing was paid for; if you'll ask Jesus to live in your heart, then you won't be punished by God."

"But why should Jesus do that for me?" asked Bill. "Because He loved you, son. But Bill, your mother and I said you must be punished if you swore again." "W... What are you going to do, Dad?"

"Here, take my belt, Bill. Don't look so surprised. I want you to whip me!"

Bill's father took off his shirt and kneeled by the bed.

"But your back is bare," stammered Bill. "The belt would hurt. You didn't do anything wrong, Dad. I can't hit you."

"You must be punished for swearing, Bill. And as you hit me I want you to realize that you hurt the Lord Jesus more, more than you're hurting me. Raise the belt!"

"I—I can't, Dad. Please, I'll never swear again. Please!"

"You must be punished, son. And I'm going to bear the punishment something like Jesus bore your punishment on the cross. Go ahead, Bill!"

The belt came down with a crack and a red welt appeared.

"Again!" Again the belt came down.

"Harder!"

"Again!"

"Please, Dad!"

"Again!" Another red mark appeared on his back.

"I can't hurt you any more, Dad. I see what you've been trying to show me, how Jesus suffered for me on the cross, even for my swearing. I didn't know He loved me so. But I love Him now, and I love you, too, Dad."

The weeping boy dropped to his knees beside his dear father. With sobbing voice he cried to God for forgiveness for all his sins. At last poor penitent Bill turned to Jesus, the Son of God, and received Him as Savior and Lord.

"Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37.

A Printed Evangelist

A visitor to Spanish Galicia dropped a gospel tract into a market basket which a woman was carrying on her head. As she glanced up and saw the distributor, she said: "That's no use to me. I can't read."

"Have you no one at home who can read?" asked the traveler.

"Yes," was her reply. "My husband is a good reader."

"Well, get him to read the tract," was the rejoinder!

This she did. Her husband read it over and over until the contents found entrance into his soul. Then he longed to know the Lord of whom it spoke.

On inquiring he learned that the traveler was staying in Marin. He journeyed there, sought him out, and heard more fully of God's wonderful provision to meet man's great need. Soon, he was rejoicing in the knowledge of salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus.

He returned to his home in Galicia to preach Christ to his household and neighbors.

For a period of forty years, the man labored faithfully in the gospel among his people. Many believed and began to spread the glad tidings in their own area. There a large group of believers was found, going on in simplicity with the Lord.

ALL THIS WAS THE RESULT OF ONE TRACT dropped in a woman's market basket. How true are the words of the old proverb: "The pen is mightier than the sword." Truer still is Ecclesiastes 11:1: "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."

A Remarkable Coincidence

It was well towards midnight when our friend Bruce left the prayer-room at the mission hall. From the street entrance he glanced quickly but cautiously up and down the cluttered sidewalks. Not many of the denizens of Skid Row were in evidence, and Bruce walked confidently towards the corner street light.

Arriving in the full flow of its artificial beam, Bruce stood for a moment in deep thought. Gone were the lines of doubt and suspicion that had furrowed his face and clouded his brow when he had entered the mission hall a few hours ago. Now any passerby would have seen the alert expression of his eyes and the joyous smile that had so lately transformed his face.

What could have wrought this change? When Bruce had that evening entered Skid Row Mission Hall, his one desire in life was to be able "to turn a quick buck," as he called his adroitness in "games of chance." He was a gambler, and "come easy, go easy" was his creed.

Lately he had heard that a one-time friend, a noted sports editor for a daily paper, had professed conversion. Furthermore, Bruce had been told that this new convert to Christianity was employing all his spare time and skill in trying to win others to his way of thinking. From his warped point of view, the gambler was convinced that his old friend had found a way to make easy money. When told that the sports writer was to speak at the Skid Row Mission that night, curiosity and greed had drawn Bruce there too. Maybe he could learn "the trick," and thus increase his own always too scanty income.

But "the eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." Prov. 15:3. In the course of the gospel message heard that night for the first time by our friend Bruce, the Spirit of God had worked mightily on his worldly heart. In the after-meeting in the prayer room he had been further enlightened; and his heart, hitherto dead toward God, without hope, without Christ, in the world, had been opened to receive the blessed Savior of sinners. Now, in the glow of "first love" to Him who had so loved him as to die for him, Bruce had a brand new purpose in life: he longed to tell others of His Savior.

As he stood within the circle of light on the street corner of Skid Row, Bruce's thoughts traveled miles away to a dearly loved younger brother. Oh, to be able to share with Tim the "joy unspeakable" that now was his! Could Tim understand this great blessing of salvation, the gift of God through faith in His Son?

Hurrying to his lodgings, Bruce wrote a short note to his brother. In it he told as clearly as he could the sweet story that he had heard this night. When he had signed it, he enclosed it in a stamped, addressed envelope already prepared on his writing table. Then, for the first time in his life, Bruce knelt to pray for the salvation of another. Little did he know that, like Andrew, "he first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto Him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus." John 1:41, 42.

On that same night, in a faraway city, a similar scene was taking place. Another man, broken in health, destitute, and certainly without hope for time or eternity, had followed the sound of singing. It had led him into a mission hall where, after a bowl of hot soup and bread, he too had heard and believed "that sweet story of old." This man was Tim, the brother of our friend Bruce; and now he also was led of the Spirit of God to tell his brother Bruce how great things the Lord had done for him.

A few days later, at almost the same hour, each of these two men received a letter from the other. Each letter told the glad tidings of salvation; one letter was written on stationery of a second rate hotel in the South, the other was scribbled in pencil on an old inside-out envelope and bore the postmark of a northern city.

Perhaps you say: A coincidence! Yes, we may answer, a coincidence. For "all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit." 1 Cor. 12:11.

Friend, wherever you are, the blessed Spirit of God is seeking to bring you into a saving knowledge of His love and grace. Are you still in your sins and wandering far from God? I beg you to listen to His pleading.

"As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?" Ezek. 33:11.

Sand

I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore. Gen. 22: 17.

Heavier than the sand of the sea. Job 6:3.

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand. Psa. 139:17, 18.

A foolish man... built his house upon the sand. Matt. 7:26.

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty, but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. Prov. 27:3.

I stood upon the sand of the sea. Rev. 13:1.

Fear ye not Me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at My presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves yet can they not pass over it? Jer. 5:22.

Sand is indeed very useful for many purposes, but it is insecure as a foundation. No one would ever build for himself a home upon the shifting sand of the seashore.

The Lord Jesus tells of a "foolish" man who once built for himself a house, and chose the sand for a foundation. So long as fine weather lasted the house stood very well, and possibly looked very nice. But by and by a storm began to rage. The winds began to blow, the angry waves to beat against the house, and down it fell. "The fall of that house was great."

Sand is a poor foundation.

There was once a great lighthouse. It was said to have been a splendid building; but the foundation was insecure. One stormy night it began to totter, and nothing now remains but a heap of stones. It was built upon a poor foundation.

Another man also built a house for himself. He built it upon a rock. The stormy winds and waves beat hard against it, but it stood. The rock withstood the storm, and the house was firm and sure. It has withstood the wintry blast for years, and the reason is plain: it is built upon a rock.

Friend, you too are building. Are you building on the sands of time, or do you know of the Rock that will endure for all eternity? Are your hopes of present and eternal bliss founded upon that Rock? That Rock is Christ. He is a sure foundation, the Rock of ages, the same yesterday, today and forever. If that Rock—Jesus Christ—is your foundation, you can say:

"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood— God's righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' Name.
"On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand."

The Lord, Mighty to Save

"Oh! I have been at the brink of the grave,
And stood at the edge of its dark, deep wave;
And I thought, in the still calm hours of night,
Of those regions where all is forever bright;
And I feared not the wave
Of the gloomy grave,
For I knew that the LORD was mighty to save.

"I have watched the solemn ebb and flow,
Of life's tide which was fleeting, sure though slow;
I've stood on the shore of eternity,
And heard the deep roar of its rushing sea;
Yet I feared not the wave
Of the gloomy grave,
For I knew that the LORD was mighty to save.

"And I found that my only rest could be
In the death of the One who died for me;
For my rest is bought with the price of blood
Which flowed from the veins of the Son of God;
So I feared not the wave
Of the gloomy grave,
For I knew that the Loin) was mighty to save.

"Look unto ME, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." Isa. 45:22.

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Prov. 28:13.

A Fatal Decision

Alfred was a clerk in a large store. He was but a youth of seventeen; his life was opening out before him with great promise for the future.

A senior salesman in the same store was an earnest Christian man, and he often spoke to the young fellow about things of eternal value. One day, he gave him a copy of the booklet, "The Reason Why," written by a prominent business man. In it the author, addressing his large business staff, tells WHY he is a Christian, and places before them their need of a Savior, calling upon them for instant decision. Space is left at the end of the book in which the reader can record his decision "FOR" or "AGAINST." No middle ground was possible.

The young man found the booklet interesting reading, quite understood its import; but the world, its pleasures, allurements, and sins drew him the wrong way. He filled in the space as follows:

DECISION FORM

I have thought carefully over the matter, and have decided to—(here he filled in) "REJECT" Christ as my Savior. I call God to witness my signature.

Signed: Alfred—,

Address:— Street, Date: August 7, 1951,

Age: 17 years.

This he returned to the salesman with a mocking smile.

Little did the poor lad dream how soon his decision would be irrevocable. NINE HOURS LATER a father with a breaking heart wept as he viewed the mangled remains of Alfred, his only son.

Leaving work that afternoon, Alfred decided to spend his half day holiday in a town 14 miles away.

A night of revelry was spent. Past midnight, the powerful auto, with Alfred at the wheel, was flying at top speed along the now-deserted highway. Only three miles more to be covered, when suddenly a dark object loomed ahead in the road. Brakes were applied, the wheels skidded, but in vain. The impact was terrible; and Alfred shot through the wind shield, rolled along some distance in the dusty road, and lay still in DEATH. The cow that was the cause of the accident paid the penalty with her life. Her driver miraculously escaped with only bruises and cuts.

"I have decided to reject Jesus Christ as my Savior." You would not, perhaps, have the temerity to fill in a form after the same fashion; but we ask, "What is YOUR attitude toward the Savior?" Are you an ACCEPTOR or a REJECTOR?

God waits to be gracious. The words of the Lord Jesus are still: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28.

Reader, GET RIGHT WITH GOD!

A Tryst with Jesus

The pastor of a large congregation stood gazing out of his study window. It faced the beautiful building in which he preached. As he looked admiringly at the neat lawn and handsome edifice he saw a shabbily dressed old man, evidently a laborer, go into the church. It was the noon hour, and the old man did not tarry long. In a few minutes he emerged through the same great front door by which he had entered and went hurrying down the street. Somewhat upset, the minister sought out the sexton and told him what he had seen. He asked the caretaker to keep watch and find out what was going on as the altar had some valuable furnishings.

Next day the sexton watched. Sure enough, at midday the old man again entered the church. He went directly to the altar, stood there a few minutes and quietly left. After observing this same procedure for a few days the caretaker accosted the man as he turned to leave. He inquired: "What are you doing here?"

"Oh," said the old man, "I come here to pray."

"Now listen," said the sexton sternly; "you don't stay long enough to pray. I've watched you! You just go up to the altar for a very few minutes, and then you hurry away."

"Yes, you are right," said the old man. "I can't pray a long prayer. But every day at my noon hour, I just come and say: 'Jesus, it's Jim—Jesus, it's Jim—Jesus, it's Jim.' Then I wait a bit and soon go away. It's just a little prayer, but I know He hears me."

How encouraging to this dear old Christian must have been the Lord's words in Matthew 6:7. Indeed, it is well to know that we are not heard of Him for our much speaking. Our Father, who alone knows each heart, can judge the need and values aright that simple address: "Jesus, it's Jim."

Some time later Jim was seriously injured in an accident. He was carried, unconscious, to the City Hospital. As he improved he accepted thankfully the Lord's provision for him. Doctors and nurses attended gladly to his injuries, and were in turn cheered by his smiling patience. They could not fail to see in him the outshining beauty of the in-living Savior.

The men's ward where Jim was placed had been a real trial to all who worked on that floor. For some time the patients in it had been cross and miserably abusive towards the nurses. Some delighted in grumbling from morning till night. Try as they might, the hospital staff had not been able to improve the situation.

Then slowly but surely, things changed. The men ceased their fault-finding. They became more cheerful and contented. They took their medicine and ate their meals without complaint.

One day, hearing a burst of laughter from the men's ward, the floor nurse rushed in. She asked: "What has happened here? You are such a nice, cheerful lot of patients now. What has brought about this change?"

"Oh, it's Jim," one patient promptly answered. "He is always so happy in spite of all his aches and pains. He makes us ashamed to grumble. We just can't grouch since Jim's here; he is always so cheerful."

The nurse turned to Jim to get his answer. His silvery hair on the white pillow gave his calm face an angelic look. His quiet eyes were full of peace. "Well, Jim, the men say you are responsible for the changes in their attitudes. They say you are always so happy."

"Aye, nurse, that I am! I can't help being happy. You see, it's my Visitor. He makes me happy."

"Your visitor?" The nurse was puzzled. She had always noted that Jim's chair remained pitifully vacant during visiting hours. He was a lonely old man with neither kith nor kin.

"Your visitor?" she repeated. "But when does he come?"

"Every day," Jim responded emphatically. A blissful light shone in his eyes, and his face was radiant with joy. "Every day at noon He comes and stands at the foot of my bed. Oh, I can see Him and the smile on His lovely face! He says, 'Jim, it's Jesus—Jim, it's Jesus—Jim, it's Jesus—.' "

Though poor in this world's goods, dear Jim was rich in faith towards God. He trusted implicitly in the words of the Lord: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Heb. 13:5.

Let me ask you, dear one redeemed by the Savior's blood, are you too keeping tryst with Him who so loves you? Do you respond to His desire as expressed in Matthew 18:20? "THERE," He says, "there am I."

As a simple believer in the ever present Lord Jesus, one need "be careful for nothing," and can rest in His promise: "The Lord is at hand." Phil. 4:5, 6.

Two Surrenders

Virginia is notable for two of the most important surrenders of American history, that of Lord Cornwallis to Washington at Yorktown, on the 19th of October, 1781; and eighty-four years later, that of General Robert E. Lee to General U. S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, on the 9th of April, 1865. By the first was secured the independence of the American Colonies from the British Crown; by the second, negro slavery was abolished in the United States, and the union of all the States established.

Speaking of the first, a Virginia historian says: "On this memorable occasion, the American and French troops were drawn up in two columns, Washington and Rochambeau being at their head; and between them the conquered British marched out and laid down their arms, the bands playing, 'The world's turned upside down.' "

The incident we love most to remember in connection with the second, is General Grant's permitting the Confederate soldiers to keep their horses, saying, "They will need them for their spring plowing." This was a noble act in connection with the victory which made his name famous. And General Lee, in bidding farewell to his soldiers, said: "Men, we have fought through the war together; I have done my best for you; my heart is too full to say more."

My reader, let me tell you of a surrender more important to me, by far, than either that of Yorktown or Appomattox Courthouse. It took place at South Bend, Indiana, about the middle of June, 1939. In that place and at that time a rebel laid down his arms and surrendered to his lawful Sovereign. I was that rebel; the Lord Jesus was the Sovereign to whom I yielded, and the act is what we commonly call "conversion." Yes, I was then converted, saved by His grace who says, "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted,... ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:3.

This great surrender also took place in the life of Saul of Tarsus, when smitten to the earth on the Damascus highway, he cried out in dismay, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"

Reader, every knee must bow, and every tongue shall confess to Jesus Christ the Lord. When Lee surrendered to Grant he was given most generous terms by the victorious general; and if the rebel sinner surrenders now to the Lord Jesus Christ in this day of grace, he will be given terms more generous than human conquerors ever dream of giving. He not only pardons but makes the surrendered rebel unspeakably rich with eternal life, happy in the love of God, and rejoicing in hope of the coming glory!

The magnanimous General Grant let the soldiers of the South keep their horses for the spring's plowing —they were now to go to work as subjects of the lawful government in Washington. And when the sinner submits to God and the Lord Jesus Christ, he is supposed to go loyally to work in the vineyard of the Lord.

He is not saved by good works, but "unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Eph 2:10.

I'm Waiting for a Sign

One summer while touring England I went with a party of young friends to visit a little village. It was of much historical interest as having been the scene of some of the battles in the Wars of the Roses. Maybe battles were fought there, but no traces of war can now be seen; the soft turf and grazing cattle forbid the thought of bloodshed, or the clash of arms.

While my party was climbing the ruins and exploring the moat, which I already knew well from previous visits, I turned my steps toward some cottages, asking my God and Father to give His child a message of peace to some heart there The village lay bathed in sunlight, and the inhabitants surely knew little of the strain, and hurry, and bustle of life; for not a soul was to be seen, or a sound to be heard in the quiet street. I knocked at a door which stood ajar, and it was immediately opened by a bright-looking woman.

I think I can see her now, as she stood before me leaning upon her stick, her sweet old face furrowed with wrinkles and surrounded by a snowy cap tied under her chin. Her cotton gown was just down to her ankles, covered by a clean white apron, and the little time-honored three-cornered shawl pinned over her shoulders.

A look of surprise came into her face as she saw a stranger at the door, but she responded to my "Good morning" with a low curtsy and said, with a smile "Will you please walk in?" Wiping a chair, upon which there was not a speck of dust, she placed it for me, and then seated herself opposite in the chimney corner.

After a little friendly chat, during which she told me she was over eighty, I said, "May I ask you if you know the Lord Jesus Christ?" Without a moment's hesitation she clasped her hands together, and looking up, said, with deep earnestness, "I love His blessed name!"

The answer came so unexpectedly, it was so different from what one often receives in reply to such a question, that it thrilled me with delight. "Oh, I am so glad," I said; "then He is your Savior, and your sins are forgiven! "

The brightness faded from her face, and slowly she replied, "Why, no, I should not like to say that."

"Not saved?" I said. "And yet you love His blessed name! Why, my friend, how is that?"

"I'm waiting for a sign. My mother had a sign afore she died. She saw the Savior hanging on the cross right against the foot of the bed. He held out His arms to her, and said, 'Come unto Me.' Then she felt very happy, and she knew she was all right. And I'm looking to have such a sight when my time comes."

I confess I was disappointed. To think that this poor old dear had been taught by the Spirit of God to believe in and to love the Lord, and yet she did not know that "he that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John 3:36.

"You are making a great mistake, my dear old friend," I said. "Never, from beginning to end of the Bible, will you find that God promises you a sign."

"Why, don't He, now? Well, I'm no scholar."

"Let me tell you what He does say. Shall I?"

"If you please."

"Well, first of all, will you tell me what sort of people Jesus died for?"

"Why," she replied quickly, "of course He died for good people."

"Did He?" I said. "My Bible does not say so. Think again."

"Well there, I can't find it in my mind to tell you."

So I took my little Testament, and read very slowly and distinctly from Romans 5:8. "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

I read it twice, and on looking up the second time, was surprised to see the tears coursing down the dear old lady's cheeks. Oh, the power of God's Word! "Well," I said, "now what sort of people did Jesus die for?"

She did not speak; her feelings choked her, and I waited anxiously for her answer. At last it came, and it was worth waiting for. "Well, there I never heard the like o' that. Why, it says He died for sinners, and I'm a sinner! He must ha' died for me."

"Of course He did. How glad I am you know it," I replied.

"And to think I should never ha' knowed it afore! I do love His blessed name!"

Only those who are privileged to carry God's precious message of love, and often have to tell it to deaf ears and dull hearts, know the joy of seeing it received and believed in with such childlike simplicity. And if it be joy to the messenger, what must it be to the Master! He sees of the fruit of the "travail of His soul, and is satisfied."

Reader, have you satisfied the heart of the Savior-God?

I found afterward that my old lady had long known and loved the Lord Jesus. He was her joy and comfort. But one thing was wrong. She knew she was not what a holy God could call good. Still she hoped to become better, and that at the end God would forgive her. But there was no rest for her heart in this. How could there be? Suppose she never got "good enough" for God. No wonder she could not say she was saved. But God saw her heart's deep need, and His light from heaven had flashed in upon her soul. By faith she saw that the One she loved and trusted had made Himself chargeable with her eternal salvation. Now for the first time she knew that, in glory, the Man Christ Jesus answers to God for everything that is against the sinner who trusts Him.

`Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Rom. 8:33, 34.

That is what the old lady now saw for the first time, and from that moment she never doubted her salvation again.

Untold Riches

In this day of accentuated materialism it is refreshing to hear of some of the world's successful business leaders who have been loyal to the name and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only One through whom salvation is to be had. One such is the honorable J. William Horsey, Chairman of the Board, Dominion Stores, Ltd., of Canada. In an interview recently published in a Toronto daily paper Mr. Horsey stated: "For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Cor. 2:2.

In his discourse Mr. Horsey further said: "The central fact of the universe is the cross of Christ. Past ages looked forward to it. We look back to it.

" 'Center of two eternities
Which look with rapt, adoring eyes,
Onward and back to Thee—
O Cross of Christ,
Where all His pain
And death is our eternal gain.'

"Here alone is the fount of blessing. Here is full provision for all my sin and for my pardon, purchased by none other than 'the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.'

"Here are found untold riches 'that fade not away,' available to all who recognize their need and humbly accept His grace. Tor ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.'

"This is a time to turn our thoughts to that great work done on the cross of Calvary—a time of opportunity for you and for me to find this great good, God's riches untold.

"Of all the gifts Thy love bestows,
Thou Giver of all good!
Not heaven itself a richer knows
Than the Redeemer's blood."

The Message of Emphasis

There is one verse in Scripture that will allow emphasis on every prominent word:

GOD—the Greatest Being

SO—the Greatest Degree

LOVED—the Greatest Affection

THE WORLD—the Greatest Object

THAT HE GAVE—the Greatest Act

HIS ONLY—the Greatest Treasure

BEGOTTEN—the Greatest Relationship

SON—the Greatest Gift

THAT WHOSOEVER—the Greatest Company

BELIEVETH IN HIM—the Greatest Trust

SHOULD NOT PERISH—the Greatest Deliverance

BUT HAVE—the Greatest Assurance

EVERLASTING—the Greatest Promise

LIFE—the Greatest Blessing.

This verse carries the greatest saving power for TIME and ETERNITY.

IT IS THE MESSAGE THAT HAS MOVED MILLIONS.

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."

John 3:14, 15

The Story of Jimmie White

Most of us have long ago forgotten the name of the Englishman, James White. For years he astonished the world by the fact that, he committed suicide. He had only a common school education, and became an apprentice bricklayer. He prospered, was thrifty, and became a building contractor. Later as a millionaire he moved in very high circles of society and even entertained royalty.

Before his tragic end he wrote a letter which is a human document of intense sadness. It is not the conclusion of a disgruntled misanthrope, but of one who deliberately enjoyed to the full his vast opportunities of gratifying every wish and whim.

He wrote: "While on the threshold of eternity, I must make an unparalleled, stark revelations of my soul. I have entertained royalty, called dukes and earls by their pet names, have been on the inside of politics, have owned a yacht, a racing stud, a theater and newspapers. I've raised millions of dollars for various charities, promoted prize fights, subsidized boxers, made a quarter of a million in one day, been feted by all, called 'Jimmy White' by the world. As contrast, I've known what it is to go hungry, and I've known what it is to have all that heart could desire. I have had thousands eager to eat out of my hand.

"I have had a special train to Manchester, yet I once walked from London to Rochdale because I was penniless. I have known men and women who, while they needed cash or kindness, spoke ingratiatingly, even affectionately, to me, but changed to aloofness when my bank balance dwindled.

"On the last day of my life my memory unwinds episode after episode after episode. The old time feeling of contentment in accomplishment has been replaced by a roaring, hectic existence. While wealth lasts one can give parties and presents. One can become the 'small talk' of night clubs and have printed mention in the gossip columns. But let prosperity leave one, and the only friends left are REMORSE and REGRET.

"My head swims, my heart throbs, my millions are all gone. I bend my knees and look to God, for I see now the guilt and folly of taking chances. THE PRICE HAS TO BE PAID."

Did James White know the full meaning of his closing words? The price is a debt of such magnitude that we shall never be able to close the account. It means the eternal condemnation of God. Scripture declares this. The meaning in all its tremendous import is beyond our powers to grasp. It looms before the unrepentant sinner in all the horror of the blackness of darkness forever!

Was there no hope for James White? A young open-air preacher described in simple words God's provision for a millionaire to receive from HIM the only blessing that lasts. "He would have to come to God on bended knees, stretching out empty hands, and pleading only the worthy name of Christ."

The bankrupt millionaire has passed into the vast forever. Perhaps he did at the last believe on the Lord as his Savior, and receive the blessing that he craved from God. For him, all opportunity is over. We can only leave Jimmy White with Him who judges righteously.

But friend, as you read these lines, is there hope for you and me? Aye, surely, a thousand times over. There comes to mind the words of the well-known hymn:

"There was no other good enough
TO PAY THE PRICE OF SIN:
He only could unlock the gate
Of heaven, and let us in."

Thank God again and again that there was One good enough, great enough, understanding fully all that it meant, and yet willing and able TO PAY THE PRICE OF SIN.

That price was the death on the cross at Calvary of God's sinless Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. For three hours there was darkness over all the land. Eclipses of the sun last but a few minutes at most. This eclipse was miraculous, calling attention to the most wonderful event in all the history of the world. And out of that darkness came the cry, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" God's Son was PAYING THE PRICE of our sin.

Hear again the loud triumphant cry of the Savior: "It is finished!" John 19:30. THE PRICE WAS PAID! The only One who could take upon Himself our load of sin and bear it away was Jesus the Savior.

Friend, the only way of escape from the penalty of your sins, with all its eternal horrors, is to accept Him, this blessed Sin-bearer. He PAID THE PRICE OF SIN at the cross, and pleads with you to accept Him now as your personal Savior. Will you?

"Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.

A Bolivian Bible Man

It was the search for employment that took Angel Apala from his native village of Llica in Bolivia to the town of Uyuni. He was successful in his quest, for he obtained employment with the railway company there. In Uyuni also he heard something that set him out on a more intensive search. He listened, for the first time, to some of the truths of the Christian faith, and he heard a little of that faith's great storehouse, the Bible.

Angel was filled with the desire to see, and to possess, a copy of this greatest of all books. When an opportunity came, he traveled 200 miles to the larger town of Oruro with his wife, and although they did not even know what a Bible looked like, they devoted two or three days to searching the shops for one. But shops in Oruro do not sell Bibles: it would not be good for trade. So they were wending their way back to the station, feeling not a little disappointed, when they came across a peddler displaying his wares on the sidewalk. They had stopped to look admiringly at his dyes and mirrors, needles and combs, etc., when Angel noticed a single, rather drab-looking book, among his collection, but obviously not "of" it.

He decided to ask the peddler whether it might not be a Bible, and to his delight and astonishment was told that it was. Furthermore, he discovered that the money he had reserved was just exactly the price of the book, so he lost no time in making it his.

Back in Uyuni once more he delved into his treasure and spent much time reading to his wife. That they received much spiritual enlightenment cannot be doubted, though one who enjoyed much greater educational advantages, and was much richer in natural endowments, once asked, "How can I understand, unless some man should guide me?"

It happened that one day a gospel tract was put over their door while Angel and his wife were out. Few printed messages fall into such fertile soil, for on discovering the tract, they immediately set out to find the source from which it had come, and were directed to a small room in which a gospel service was being conducted by some missionaries lately arrived in the town.

It was the happy lot of these missionaries to point this seeking couple to the Savior. Their earnest desire for knowledge as revealed in God's Book, their timely acceptance of a tract, and the helpful ministry of the Lord's servants were the links in the chain that brought joy into the lives of Angel and his wife.

We are indebted to the missionaries for our closing glimpse of these transformed lives. The man who months previously had left his native Llica with no knowledge of the Scriptures, has returned to his own village with the sole object of circulating among his own people the Word of God "which liveth and abideth forever," Many are the miles he walks, and many the hazards he faces, that others may have access to and accept the wonderful message of love which he embraced, and which embraced him after his diligent search.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Luke 11:9.

A Refuge from the Storm

The neighbors called her "Wild Kate", so brusque and rough was she, both in looks and manners. I was told I need not call on her, as she would neither welcome me nor come to the meetings. But I remembered the words of Him who said, "I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

Having resolved to "sow beside all waters" I went one day to her cottage. As I neared it, an old man said to me, "Are you going in there, sir?" He glanced significantly at Kate's door.

"Yes," I replied.

He said, "Weel, weel, it's a needless task, an' I wish ye safe out, sir. She's an awful woman."

I replied: "I have a message from God for her, and I am not afraid."

I knocked at the door. A strong, harsh voice said, "Come in."

As I entered she seemed surprised and exclaimed: "Oh, you've made a mistake."

I said, "No, I have made no mistake. You are the person I came to see, Kate."

"Did you, sir? Well, you are the first minister who ever came to see Kate Douglas since she came to Bolton. Will you take a seat, sir?"

I readily did so, and we entered into a very pleasant conversation which concluded with my asking her to the meeting in the evening. She answered: "Well, sir, as you have been so kind as to come yourself and invite me, I will come; and thank ye kindly, sir."

True to her promise Kate was at the meeting that night, and some arrow from God's quiver entered her heart. It brought her low before Him, and the self-sufficient "wild" woman was humbled.

It was some weeks later, and on a wild stormy wet night. As I sat alone in my study, the servant came to say that someone wanted to see me. "Show him in here; it must be something very urgent that would bring any man out on such a night as this."

"It is a woman, sir, and she has come all the way from Bolton. Though I wanted her to warm and dry herself at the fire, she insisted that I should come at once and ask you to see her."

The door was again opened, and Kate Douglas entered the room. "Kate," I exclaimed, as I rose to receive her. "How are you? This is a rough night for you to be out. You are cold and wet."

Placing a chair for her, I begged her to sit down; but there she stood erect, unable for a moment to speak. At last she said, "Ah, sir! Wild as the storm is outside, it is nothing to what is raging in my heart. Ever since I heard you at the meeting, there has been nothing but storm in my soul. You spoke that night about a Refuge from the storm, and I've come to ask you where I can find it."

"What kind of a Refuge do you seek, Kate?" I asked, anxious to know the state of her mind. "A Refuge from what?"

"From my sins and God's wrath!" She replied slowly and solemnly.

Lifting my heart in prayer to God for wisdom, I opened my Bible and turned to Psalm 46. Slowly I read: "God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." Psa. 46:1-3.

"Sir," said Kate, "do you mean to say that the God I have hated and sinned against all my life will be my Refuge? It is His wrath I want to hide from. Oh, that wrath! That wrath! If you can tell me nothing but this, sir, then I may as well go now and face the storm, the cold, and wild wind and rain. I'll return home worse off than I came. God could never have any dealings with me as I am."

The expression of her face had changed from intense expectation to that word of disappointment and distress. I hastened to say: "Listen to me, Kate. You did not hear me out. What did you expect me to tell you to do?"

"Why, sir, there's my neighbor who is a good living woman, and she's never through saying prayers, and doing religious things, and reproving all who don't do as she does. Though I don't like her ways, I don't know what else I could do for peace of mind."

"And you thought I would prescribe some such self-righteous system to bring rest to your wounded conscience?"

"I thought maybe you could tell me how to follow some such course, and so mend my ways."

"And what would become of all your past sins?"

She hesitated and then sadly said, "I don't know."

"Well, Kate, hear this. It is not my word, but God's: 'There is none righteous, no, not one.' That is God's description of man. Then, lest man should think that any effort of his could ever heal the breach between God and him, we have this divine declaration: `By the deeds of the law shall no flesh living be justified,' for in God's sight 'all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.'

"Hear now what God says of His remedy for our natural wicked state: 'In due time Christ died for the ungodly.' Christ's own words are, 'I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

"Well, sir, what must I do?"

"Confess yourself among this class of ungodly sinners, and plead Christ's promise to accept and save such. 'He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.' " John 1:11,12.

"But how, how, sir?"

I then read to her several scriptures from the Old Testament where the promise of the Savior was foretold—the gift of God to man. Then turning to the New Testament, we read of the birth and life of Christ, of His death and resurrection; then turning again to His own words of promise and invitation to sinners.

Hour after hour passed, but Kate's eagerness did not wane. "Now, Kate," I said, "you know all. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, even the chief."

"I am that one," burst from her lips. "Can it be that He will take me and be a Refuge to me?"

"His own word is, 'Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.' Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'"

"Ah, sir, I see now what you mean by God being a Refuge. Jesus, God's Son, making peace between God and man. How wonderful! Oh, how wonderful. And to think that I never knew it before. God bless you, sir, for inviting me to that meeting. Will you pray for me?"

We knelt to pray, and I believe in that quiet hour that tempest-tossed soul found a haven of rest. She arose to depart—the storm without had ceased, and the streaks of the early dawn streamed through the closed shutters. I opened them.

"What a calm," I exclaimed.

"Oh, yes," she said. 'All is peace now. I have found Jesus. Now He is my sinful soul's Refuge. Jesus! He took my place and died for me. God bless you, sir, for telling me of Him."

Intense were the struggles Kate still had against sin, and especially with her temper. One can easily see that it was no light combat for a spirit so bold, and feelings so proud and excitable, to wage. Even the boys who used often to rouse Kate's indignation by tormenting her realized that for they said: 'There's no fun now with Wild Kate. She is so quiet. She never swears, nor runs after us, as she used to do. See here," said he, seizing a black cat 'and going with it to Kate's door, which was open. Kate was sitting with her back to it, intently reading her Bible.

"Here's a present for you," shouted the boy as he threw the cat over her shoulder into her lap, and then ran away. Kate had a dislike to cats, and the boy knew this. He expected her to get angry and chase them. Instead, Kate lifted the cat in her arms and carried it to the door. Laying it gently on the ground in sight of the boys, she then shut her door. The gentleness of Christ had won her heart and tamed her wild spirit. Now she desired only to be pleasing to Him—"a living epistle of Jesus Christ," known and read of all.

"Not many lives, but only one have we,
One, only one:
How sacred should that one life ever be,
That narrow span;
Day after day filled up with blessed toil,
Hour after hour still bringing in new spoil."

The Fool's Prayer

The royal feast was done; the King
Sought some new sport to banish care,
And to his jester cried: "Sir Fool!
Kneel now, and make for us a prayer!"

The jester doffed his cap and bells
And stood the mocking court before;
They could not see the bitter smile
Behind the painted grin he bore.

He bowed his head and bent his knee
Upon the monarch's silken stool;
His pleading voice arose:
"Oh Lord, Be merciful to me—a fool.

"No pity, Lord, could change the heart
From red with wrong to white as wool,
The rod must heal the sin; but, Lord,
Be merciful to me—a fool.

"These clumsy feet, still in the mire,
Go crushing blossoms without end;
These hard, well-meaning hands we thrust
Among the heart-strings of a friend.

"The ill-timed truth we might have kept—
Who knows how sharp it pierced and stung?
The word we had not sense to say—
Who knows how grandly it had rung?

"Our faults no tenderness should ask,
The chastening stripes must cleanse them all;
But for our blunders—oh, in shame
Before the eyes of heaven we fall.

"Earth holds no balsams for mistakes;
Men crown the knave and scourge the tool
That did his will; but Thou, O Lord,
Be merciful to me—a fool."

The room was hushed; in silence rose
The King and sought his garden cool,
And walked apart, and murmured low,
"Be merciful to me—a fool."

Just As Thou Art

JUST as thou art—without one trace
Of love, or joy, or inward grace,
Or meetness for the heavenly place—
O guilty sinner, come!

Burdened with guilt, wouldst thou be blest?
Trust not the world—it gives no rest:
Christ gives relief to hearts opprest—
weary sinner, come!

Come, leave thy goodness at the cross;
Count all thy gains but empty dross:
His love repays all earthly loss—
O needy sinner, come!

Come, hither bring thy boding fears,
Thy aching heart, thy bursting tears:
'Tis mercy's voice salutes thine ears—
trembling sinner, come!

"When we were yet without strength,... Christ died for the ungodly... while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Rom. 5:6-9.

The Guardsman's Mute Testimony

The battle was over, though the victory had been dearly won. Beaten, and their ranks decimated, the foe was forced back to their former entrenchment. As darkness fell over the battlefield, stretcher bearers went out to gather the wounded and the dead. Lying on the hillside on his face they found a private of the Guards, cold in death. A few inches from his face lay an open Bible. On it his hand rested, literally glued there by his life-blood, which had drained away while he fixed his dying eyes on the Book of God. His forefinger pointed to a verse on the open page. It was this: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" John 11:25, 26.

They reverently lifted the dead guardsman and laid him with his blood-stained Bible in a soldier's grave. He was well known in his company as a consistent follower of the Lord Jesus. Often he had said that, if he fell in battle, he had no fears; he knew that heaven was his destination. He had been saved some years back by the grace of God, through faith in the blood of the Lamb. Since then he could "read his title clear to mansions in the skies."

This soldier, dead on that blood-stained field, still bore witness to his title to the land where battles rage no more. He had Christ, and in Him a present known salvation, with "the certain hope of a glorious resurrection."

Reader, could you so die? Are you quite sure you are saved? A vague hope is not enough; you need certainty.

"A certain fearful looking for of judgment" awaits the Christless sinner. But you need not perish. The Son of man has come to seek and to save "the lost." If, acknowledging yourself as a lost sinner, you cast yourself on Him, believing in His love and power, you will be saved and ready to go, as that guardsman left dead on the battlefield.

The Somerley Hermit

Near Ringwood, Hants, there lived a man by the name of Cutler, who believed it right that he should never wash himself again, nor comb his hair, nor live in a house like other people. So he turned one of his wagons into a tent, out on a public Common.

After being there some time, and the news had spread abroad among the people of his odd life, many went to visit and to question him upon what they considered the madness of his outlandish way of living. Some had pity on him; others thought that he deserved punishment; while some were for having him taken to a madhouse.

Most of his visitors spoke unkindly to him, and told him very freely what they thought of him, condemning his manner of living, especially his fixed determination never to wash again. However, with the hope of his doing so, some of the kinder ones had a vessel of water placed close by him, also a table with soap, towels, and comb, hoping that these things would tempt him to use them. One wise person caused a looking-glass to be placed upon the table that he might see himself in it—because the world says, "Seeing is believing"—supposing that a sight of himself would convince and induce him to wash in the water. Whether he ever looked in the glass or not is unknown. However, he remained unwashed and as unchanged in his ideas as ever.

When I saw him the first time he had been there seventeen years, and on the occasion of my last visit, twenty years. He had, therefore, twenty years of dirt upon his body.

Previously he had lived in a farmhouse close by as a good tenant of the Earl of Normanton, who, because of some squabble about the game, had him turned out of house and home on to the Common with his live stock and all his goods. That winter his cattle all died and his goods rotted, and the old wagon he lived in was the last bit of his property left—and this was his way of avenging himself on his adversary, who had no power to remove him off the Common after once tossing him and his property on to it.

I know you have condemned the Hermit before this; but if you will put yourself alongside with him you will find that you have been doing with your precious soul just what he did with his body. You have years of sin, and guilt, and devil's black upon your soul-maybe more than twenty. I had twenty-one years, one month, and three days of sin and guilt on me when I was led to the Lord Jesus, and "He in no wise cast me out" (John 6:37).

The Hermit was told again and again by rough tongues and smooth ones of his dirty condition. And have not you been told by dear ones of your sinfulness? Yes, they have done it with tears and prayers, yet you have not "believed". Besides, your conscience has accused you of your guilt, but you have not attended to its voice, neither have you washed in the God-provided "fountain." God, who loves you, has taken great pains to describe and show you your condition. He has put a looking-glass before you in the form of the Bible, like the man did to the Hermit, that you may see yourself and become convinced of your deplorable state and be led to cry "Unclean! Unclean!"

Listen now to what the Lord says of your sinful heart, which is thirteen to the dozen in wickedness: "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed (1) evil thoughts, (2) adulteries, (3) fornications, (4) murders, (5) thefts, 6) covetousness, (7) wickedness, (8) deceit, (9) lasciviousness, (10) an evil eye, (11) blasphemy, (12) pride, (13) foolishness-all these evil things from within and defile the man" (Mark 7:20-23).

We all saw the Hermit's filth, and endeavored to convince him of it—the mirror, the water, the soap, and the towels, with human tongues, all joined in telling him of it. You have judged the poor Hermit a fool, but what of yourself? His folly was like a molehill—yours is like a mountain. The filth of his body annoyed men only. Your sin and guilt insult God. His filth ended with him in his grave. Yours will stick to you in Hell, beyond the grave. His uncleanness was only for time. Yours will be for eternity, unless you "repent" and be "washed in the blood of the Lamb." The Hermit's filth made him a suitable subject for the water. Does not your sinfulness show you your pressing need of the Savior's precious Blood?

The looking-glass may show a man his unclean face, but it cannot remove an atom of the dirt. It is the "washing" that puts away the filth. So the Lord has set the fountain of precious blood right before your eyes. Oh, do come to Christ! Look up and behold His bleeding wounds! His blood can make the foulest clean. Look at His bleeding brow—He wears that crown of thorns for you! See His bleeding hands—they are wounded for your transgressions! Behold His back, torn with the scourge! By His stripes we are healed. See the nail marks in His feet! Look at His pierced side—see the blood and water flowing! This is the "fountain of blood opened for sin and uncleanness." Come to it, plunge by faith into it, and wash away your sins.

The climax of the Hermit's folly was in the rejection of the means provided for his cleansing. God has richly provided for your guilty soul in the precious blood of Jesus. Take heed that you don't count it an unholy thing, for the crowning of your guilt and woe will be the rejection of the precious blood of Christ, shed to redeem you, to save you, and to wash your sins away. Let me persuade you, dear sinner, to "repent" and "believe," for God has said: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36.

One day the Hermit was found dead in his old wagon. He died in his filth. Sinner, will you die in your sins? Jesus said: "If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins." John 8:24. And besides, the Lord will soon come back again in the "clouds of heaven, with power and great glory." I beseech you to be ready—"washed!" "white!" and "waiting!" "For in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh." The Lord says, "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Rev. 16:15. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels." Rev. 3:5.

A Great Only

How often we use the word "only"! "It is only for a little while," comforts the heart. "Only one life to live," spurs the lagging spirit to carry on more faithfully for Christ. And how often the thought that "only" a little longer, and we shall be with and like our Lord, cheers the soul of the believer! Looking ahead, and taking thought for the morrow, as we often do in spite of Matthew 6:34, how often we find that what we had dreaded most was "only" meant for our blessing! So often it is, that direful anticipation proves to be "only" a blessing in disguise.

Recently, I visited a very sick young woman. To comfort her, I said: "It is 'only' to be with Christ."

"Oh," said she. "What a great 'only'!"

Reader, do you think of death like that? It is "only" to be with Christ! Have you ever thought of what that "only" involves?

To be with Christ is to be completely satisfied, for David the sweet singer of Israel says: "In Thy presence is fullness of joy." Psa. 16:11.

Do you know that it is "only" sinners that Jesus saves (Rom. 5: 8)?

It is "only" through His name you can be saved. It is "only" the precious blood of Jesus can give you title to heaven, or make you fit to go there.

And it was God's "only" begotten Son who died on the cross (John 3:16), that "only" might we not perish, but have everlasting life.

Finally, if you are still a poor, doubting sinner, I would say what the Lord said to Jairus in Mark 5:36: "Be not afraid, 'only' believe."

It is a solemn matter to know that "only" a hairsbreadth, so to speak, divides time from eternity. My reader, you may never read of Christ again. How will you put aside this paper—saved, or "only" hoping to be?

Unregenerate

During one of our meetings in Kansas some years ago, I was introduced to a brilliant young physician. Being of the same profession, we had much in common. However, I sought to learn if we could also enjoy the bond of being brothers in Christ. To this end I finally asked bluntly: "Doctor, are you a Christian?"

His answer surprised me. "Doctor, I am tied to my mother's apron strings. I have always lived up to her teachings morally, and I pride myself on the fact that while I was away in medical school I followed her teaching. I kept myself morally clean. I do not profess to be a Christian, but I dare say I am better morally than many church members of this city."

I said, "Doctor, I do not doubt you on that point, but listen: Unregeneracy is a state. You have not been regenerated, have you?"

He replied, "No, sir; I do not claim to be a regenerated man."

As I stood there in the sawdust covered aisle of the gospel tent, I drew a square in the sawdust. "Doctor," I said, "let this square represent the state of Colorado."

He agreed, and I continued. "The surface altitude at the lowest point is 2,000 feet above sea level. The highest altitude, the summit of Pike's Peak, is 14,200 feet above sea level. Now there are people in the Colorado mines who are 3,000 feet below the lowest surface altitude in the state. Whether they are deep in the mines, or are on the lowest surface altitude, or are on the summit of Pike's Peak, they are all in the state of Colorado.

"The state of unregeneracy is like that. Some men are always down below the surface, underground, as it were, in the villainy and criminality of flagrant wickedness. Others range upon the ordinary surface with little or no thought of change. At the same time, you are on the summit of Mount Morality; but you are all still in Colorado—as one might say, in the State of Unregeneracy."

He looked at me in dumb amazement for a moment. Then, without a word of argument, he exclaimed: "You have knocked the props out from under me. I am with you."

With that, the eminent young physician walked down the aisle to the place of prayer. There, in true humility, he owned his lost estate, and besought the saving grace of the Savior of sinners. Before long he confessed Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord.

Friend, are you exalting yourself on a high peak of morality? Remember the words of the lowly Man of Sorrows: "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Luke 14:11.

Christ's Terms

Some time ago, a Christian woman sat by the bedside of a dying young man. He had been smitten by a deadly disease, and all hope of recovery was gone. Besides, it was night in his soul. To every offer of sympathy and hope in Christ the only response was, "It is too late, too late!" He had tried to repent, he said, but he could not. He had tried to pray—but it was only empty words.

"And what would you do if you could make up this repentance for yourself, and cleanse your own heart?" said the Christian woman.

"I would be more fit to approach Christ, and would have some slight hope of heaven."

"There is something else you would do."

"What do you mean?"

"You would disappoint the heart of your Savior, and spoil His joy in giving Himself for your salvation. A simple illustration may make my meaning clear.

"Suppose that I have heard of a medicine which I believe can cure you. It is only to be had in a far city. I go by the first train which leaves this place, and undertake the long journey to procure it for you. When I arrive I find that the price for the remedy is so great that it will take nearly all the money I have to buy it. But your life must be saved at all costs; so the medicine is purchased, and I return with it by the next train. You listen to the story of the fatigue and difficulties encountered, and say, 'Well, I will pay part of the expenses of your journey. Here is a quarter for you.' And what if it were a bad quarter? Would it be pleasant for me that you should receive my hearty service for you in such a manner?"

In the weary eyes there sparkled a little smile. "No, indeed. It would be more like a generous gratitude on my part if I freely accepted such wonderful kindness."

The dying man saw the point and felt the power of the illustration. From that moment he seemed joyfully to accept the wonderful gift of eternal life as an entire gratuity from the Giver of all good.

Reader, are you still trying to make yourself in some degree worthy to come to Christ? Be assured all you have done or can do is not worth a bad quarter. Salvation is a free gift! As such it must be accepted, or not at all.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come!

Be Not Deceived

You may "hear preaching gladly," as did Herod; see Mark 6:20.

You may "tremble at the Word," as did Felix; see Acts 24:25.

You may wish to "die well," as did Balaam; see Numbers 23:10.

You may leave a Sodom world, as did Lot's wife; see Genesis 19:26.

You may ask for prayers, as did Pharaoh; see Exodus 8:8.

You may be "almost persuaded," as was Agrippa; see Acts 26:28.

You may "find no fault" with Christ, as did Pilate; see Luke 23:14.

You may profess to be a "disciple," as did Judas; see Acts 1:25.

You may have a "lamp" of profession, as did the foolish virgins; see Matthew 25:11.

You may be baptized, as was Simon Magus; see Acts 8:13.

You may live with God's people, as did Gehazi; see 2 Kings 5:20.

You may "bring an offering," as did Cain; see Genesis 4:3.

You may take part in God's services, as did Korah; see Numbers 16:33.

You may "minister in the priest's office," as did Nadab; see Numbers 3:2-4.

You may "make long prayers," as did the Pharisees; see Matthew 23:14.

You may be able to prophecy or preach, as did Saul; see 1 Samuel 10:10.

And yet, if you have not acknowledged yourself to be a lost sinner, and received Christ as your Savior, you will hear those awful words from the lips of Christ: "Depart from me, I never knew you," and you will perish forever!

How to Get Faith

Scripture says faith is "the gift of God." So is the air; but you have to breathe it. So is bread; but you have to eat it. So is water; but you have to drink it.

Some are expecting to have a miraculous kind of feeling. That is not faith. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom. 10:17.

It is not for me to sit down and wait for faith to come stealing over me with a strange sensation; but it is for me to take God at His word. One cannot believe unless there is something to believe. So take the Word as it is written, and appropriate it. Lay hold of it. In John 6:47, 48 we read: "Verily verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life."

There is the "bread" right at hand, but one must partake of it. Though thousands of loaves are within my house, and as many hungry men waiting, though they assent to the fact that the bread is there, unless they take a loaf and commence eating, their hunger will not be satisfied.

So Christ is the bread of heaven. As the body feeds on natural food, so the soul must feed on Christ. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

Believe, partake, and live.

He Saved a Poor Sinner Like Me.

I WAS once far away from the Savior,
And as vile as a sinner could be;
And I wondered if Christ the Redeemer
Could save a poor sinner like me.

I wandered on in the darkness,
Not a ray of light could I see;
And the thought filled my heart with sadness,
There's no hope for a sinner like me.

And then, in that dark lonely hour,
A voice sweetly whispered to me
Saying, "Christ the Redeemer has power
To save a poor sinner like thee."

I listened, and lo! 'twas the Savior
That was speaking so kindly to me;
I cried, "I'm the chief of sinners,
Thou canst save a poor sinner like me!"

I then fully trusted in Jesus;
And oh, what' a joy came to me!
My heart was filled with His praises,
For saving a sinner like me.

No longer in darkness I'm walking,
For the light is now shining on me;
And now unto others I'm telling
How He save a poor sinner like me.

And when life's journey is over,
And I my dear Savior shall see,
I'll praise Him forever and ever,
For saving a sinner like me.

Jesus said: "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37

"(NOTHING) shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:39

A Dream with a Sequel

Not many years ago, when at our station at Teianhsien, in China, a very interesting answer to a dream came before me.

Having many things to attend to, we made it a practice not to see visitors before nine o'clock in the morning. But on the morning that I am referring to, at about six o'clock, I was told that a visitor was in the guest room desiring to see me. Naturally, I sent word asking if he could come later on, but the reply came that he was desirous of seeing me at once, as he was anxious to hear the message that I had to tell him. Anon I went to the guest room and found a middle-aged man waiting for me. After the usual salutations, he said, "You have a message for me?" To which I replied, "Yes, I have a message for everybody." He answered, "You have a special message for me, but you will not understand until I have explained myself." We then sat down, and he told me the following story.

His home was in a village many miles away from Teianhsien, and his family was considered to be wealthy. In the village they had their own temple, and for many generations they had been great worshippers of idols and of their ancestors. For some years, however, he himself had not been satisfied, and had been seeking how he might obtain happiness in the next world. Some eighteen months previously, when out in the country, he had found, engraved on a stone slab by the roadside, an account of how a man had found happiness, and it told how a journey was to be taken to a temple that was on the summit of the Li Mountains.

After reading this account, our friend made all preparations for the pilgrimage to this temple, promising to count his steps as he went, and after every six steps to bow towards the temple. This was a long and tedious journey, but it was at last accomplished. When he reached the temple, although he fulfilled all the rites and ceremonies, demanded in the temple during his stay of over a year, he was still unsatisfied, as he had found no joy, peace or happiness. Now he related to me the most wonderful part of his story.

He told me that, three nights previous to his coming to me, he dreamed that he saw a man standing beside his bed, who told him that he was to arise and have breakfast, and after the meal he was to descend the mountain and cross the plains until he came to the Teh River; there he would find the ferry boat on his side, and by it he was to cross the river near to the North Gate. There a man would be standing, and he was to inquire of him where a foreigner of the name of Wang (my Chinese name) lived. This foreigner would tell him how to obtain the happiness he was seeking. Our friend then told me how, when he woke up, he at once arose, had breakfast, descended the mountain, crossed the plains, found the ferry boat on his side of the river, crossed, and reached the North Gate. There was the man standing, and when he inquired where the foreigner lived, was told to go through the city till he came to the South Gate, and then to pass on till he came to the last house. There he would find the foreigner, Wang. He said: "Now I have come, and I have found everything to be according to my dream; I wish you to tell me the message that you have to tell me."

What a joy was mine as I sat there, to be able to tell out to this man the gospel message! He had no knowledge whatever of a living God. From childhood he had been taught to bow down to graven images. I had to commence from the beginning and explain as simply as I could about the living and true God and creation; of our lost and ruined condition; and how God, in His wondrous grace, had so loved the world that had got so far away from Him in sin and iniquity, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I was able to bring before him the wonderful story of the Savior who was willing to bear our sins and iniquities for us on the Cross, so that, through His death and shed blood, we could have eternal peace and joy. We sat together for the whole day, talking of the things of God, and towards evening he had the joy of finding peace through believing on the Lord Christ, who had died for him. How he rejoiced in the knowledge of the sure salvation that he had just found!

We then retired for the night, but about 4 a.m. he was knocking at my door and calling me to get up. As soon as I saw him, he said: "Oh! do not delay, but give me Scriptures and books, for I must get away to my home, that I may tell them of the wonderful Savior who has done so much for me. I must go and tell them without delay."

After this he again visited us on two occasions, about a year apart, requesting fresh supplies of Scriptures and books and telling us how those in the village had gladly received the gospel, and many had turned from their idols. It was a joy to see how happy he was in the Lord.

A Printed Evangelist

"Have you no one at home who can read?" asked the traveler.

"Yes," was her reply. "My husband is a good reader."

"Well, get him to read the tract," was the rejoinder!

This she did. Her husband read it over and over until the contents found entrance into his soul. Then he longed to know the Lord of whom it spoke.

I've Got What I Wanted

When walking along a lane in the country some time ago to visit some cottage folk, I saw an old woman sitting on the bank making pot holders. Though longing to speak to her about her soul, my courage failed me as I passed. She did not speak as I had hoped she would; but after going a little way, I turned back and spoke to her about her work. She gave me a pleasant answer, and I felt encouraged to ask if she were saved.

"No," she replied. "That is the very thing that is troubling me, and has been for a long time. I've asked many people. One told me one thing and one would say another. Not one could tell me how to be sure I am saved.

"At one time," she continued, "I even went to the minister. I thought surely he would know all about such things. But he told me to pray, and to do the best I could, and so on. This did not satisfy me, and I am more miserable than ever."

I said to her: "The best thing we can do is to see what God says about it." I sat down beside her, and we opened our Testaments together. She had a little one that she always carried in her bag. We read in John 3: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up... that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved."

We marveled together at God's love, and the way in which He had provided a Savior, His own Son, who had gone to the cross and borne the wrath due to our sins. He had borne it all, and glorified God so perfectly about it, that God had raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand up there in the glory, for poor sinners to look unto and be saved. Then we read, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

She sat quietly drinking it in for some time. Then she put her worn old hands together, and lifting her eyes to heaven, she said slowly: "I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and so I must have everlasting life. That's what I wanted! Now I can go on my way happy in the Lord."

We then thanked God together for His love to us; and for a long time we sat talking about that precious Savior and what He is now doing as the High Priest who is passed into the heavens. He is bearing our names ever before God on His breast, and sustaining us down here in the wilderness through all the weakness and sorrow of the way. He has given us the blessed hope of His coming again to take us to be with Himself in the glory.

It was a happy time for us both under that wayside hedge. When we parted, I gave her my address on an old envelope, and about six months later she came to see me. She said she wanted to see me again and to tell me she had never lost her peace with God since. She had been quite happy, and was looking forward to being with Him who had saved her.

Perhaps you, dear reader, are like this old lady. Are you longing to know that you are saved? Then, like her, you must see what God says; and when God speaks, do not doubt His Word.

Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Then, dear friend, God says, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life"; and He also says, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My word shall not pass away."

Are you careless about these things? Then, may God arouse you! For the Word of God also says, "He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Believe His word, and know your sins are forgiven and that you are destined for heaven.

"Come, for angel hosts are musing,
O'er this sight so strangely sad,
God beseeching, man refusing,
To be made forever glad.
From the world and its delusion,
Now our voices rise as one,
While we shout God's invitation,
Heaven itself re-echoes, Come!"

The Right Way

Friend, on what grounds do you hope to get to heaven? That you hope to get there I have not the slightest doubt. My anxiety is whether you are on the right road to get there.

Proverbs 16:25 tells us: "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

Now I ask, Are you sure you are going God's way to heaven, or only pursuing the way that "seemeth right" to your own mind?

There is a distinct understanding among the nations of the world that each country has the sole right to say on what conditions an alien shall be allowed to reside there. Shall we allow God any less authority than that which is accorded to the governments of the earth? There is one law of nations which is almost identical with God's law: and that is, that no one shall be allowed to pass from one country into another while suffering from an infectious disease. Moreover, everyone bows to this law without the slightest question. Has not God the right to claim the same?

Generally, people are allowed to go from one country to another without much formality; but sometimes a country is attacked by some dreadful disease which is very infectious. Immediately every other country issues notice through its representatives that no one from the infected country will be allowed to enter their land except on certain conditions; and to this notice everyone has to bow. Remember, it is not the infected country that lays down the conditions on which their people may pass into the non-infected country. It is the non-infected country that issues the terms on which any can enter into their land from the affected one. So it is in regard to heaven.

There was a time, in the Garden of Eden, when Adam was innocent and uncontaminated with sin, and God could hold free communication with him. But Adam listened to the voice of the tempter and fell. Immediately he became infected with that terrible disease—sin—a disease which has descended upon all his posterity. Because of this, God drove man out of the garden. God is too pure and holy even to look upon sin. When "He who knew no sin was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," God forsook that holy Sinbearer, though it was His own Son. From time to time since that scene in the garden, God has issued through His messengers or representatives the conditions on which alone He would hold communication with man.

This is our position today. As descendants of Adam we are infected with this terrible disease, sin. It is necessary then, if we desire to enter heaven, to find out and comply with the conditions God has made to govern our entrance there.

Where are we to look for these conditions? In God's Word—in the Bible, and the Bible only. God has caused His Holy Word to be written and preserved in order that there may be no mistake about the way He would have us go. In Old Testament times He gave conditions and terms to His people through the prophets; but in New Testament times, and up to now, God has spoken and still speaks through Christ, His beloved Son.

Do you ask, Who is Christ? What is His authority? These are very proper questions, for the position and rank of a representative of a government give character and weight to the message he brings. I answer, Read carefully the following scriptures: first, Christ's own words in John 5:39: "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me."

Christ was the subject of God's testimony in the Old Testament. Now for His credentials.

At His birth it was said by the angel in Luke 2:11: "Unto you is born this day... a Savior which is Christ the Lord."

At His baptism, we read in Luke 3:22: "Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased."

On the mount of transfiguration, Matthew 17:5 tells us: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him."

These are the divine credentials of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now what is His message? John 3:14-16 says: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Now, reader, I ask, Do you personally know anything of this way of blessing, this way to "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you"? 1 Pet. 1:4. Every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has the object before him. Furthermore, to attain this object they have accepted the principle that God has declared as governing His receiving of man into His presence.

Every person sailing to a foreign country is bound to apply to that country's representative for a document for which he pays. This document certifies that there is no infectious disease prevalent in the place from which he comes. Unless he can produce that document he will not be allowed to enter the country.

So it is with heaven. We hear Christ, as God's representative, saying, "No man cometh unto the Father but by Me." We have just seen His authority for so speaking. Why then do so few, comparatively speaking, get a divine passport for glory? Read John 5:39, 40: "Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life."

Solemn words are these. "Ye will not come." Yet it will cost you nothing. Hear His word: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand." John 10:28, 29.

Unsaved reader, you are suffering from a disease that will keep you out of the presence of God forever unless you get cured! The only cure is in the saving power of faith in the Savior's blood.

Come to Jesus! Believe on Him! Receive the pardon and cleansing from sin through belief in the sacrifice of Christ. Thus only can God receive man back into His presence. Sin must be put away, or the sinner kept out.

Whosoever

Two gentlemen walking in a public park were talking about conversion. One said he could not see that "whosoever" meant him. He was anxious about his soul, yet unable to rest upon God's Word. Its very simplicity stumbled him. He would, if he had uttered his real thoughts, have said: "But surely I need something besides that."

Presently, in their walk, they came to a board with the following words on it:

CAUTION!

Whosoever is found trespassing

on these flower beds will be

prosecuted.

Said the Christian friend to the other: "You may go and trample on those beds, and do what you like."

"Oh no, I may not; don't you see the notice?"

"Oh yes, I see the notice; but you just said that you did not see that 'whosoever' meant you. I cannot go; but you, you can go."

"Ah, I see it now," was the reply. " 'Whosoever' does mean me. 'Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.' It does mean me, and is a free, open invitation to every one to come to Christ."

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." John 10:27, 28.

On and up

Rise, my soul, thy God directs thee,
Stranger hands no more impede;
Pass thou on, His hand protects thee,
Strength that has the captive freed.

Is the wilderness before thee,
Desert land where drought abides?
Heavenly springs shall there restore thee,
Fresh from God's exhaustless tides.

Light divine surrounds thy going,
God Himself shall mark thy way;
Secret blessings, richly flowing,
Lead to everlasting day.

In the desert God will teach thee
What the God that thou hast found,
Patient, gracious, powerful, holy,
All His grace shall there abound.

On to Canaan's rest still wending,
E'en thy wants and woes shall bring
Suited grace from high descending,
Thou shalt taste of mercy's spring.

When to Canaan's long-loved dwelling
Love divine thy foot shall bring,
There, with shouts of triumph swelling,
Zion's songs in rest to sing—

There no stranger, God shall meet thee;
Stranger thou in courts above?
He who to His rest shall greet thee,
Greets thee with a well-known love."

J. N. D.

"When we were yet without strength,... Christ died for the ungodly... while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Rom. 5:6, 8

Echoes of Grace: 1973

Table of Contents

The Unseen Helmsman

A New Year and a New Life

The Burglar Alarm

Which Is the Way to God?

Pure Sovereign Grace

Henceforth

A Story from India

A Gangster's Testimony

A Self-Styled Skeptic

Five Golden Links in a Chain of Gold

Out of the Depths of Sin

Three Looks at the Wicked

Excused

Does Prayer Work?

God's Intervention

Take It

Eight Beatitudes

He Done It All

The Precious Blood

The Sunken Rock

Forgiveness

Grace

It Is Well With My Soul

Travelers All

Wilt Thou?

Not Afraid, Are You?

Sin!

Day by Day

A True Story of Arnhem

He Won't Give Me up

The President's Message

Certainty or Uncertainty?

Wounded for My Transgressions (Isaiah 53:5)

The Country Blacksmith

Put the Corporal's Name Down

Not yet

The Supreme Giver

Two Sons

Visited in the Night

A Hint to Gospel Preachers

The Shepherd Found Me

Story of a Flood

Two Strings to Your Bow

A Vital Truth Illustrated

Soul Rest

Is This Worth Living for?

More Than a Hope

Thou Remainest

Under the Wave

Curing a Bad Habit

A Printed Evangelist

A Remarkable Coincidence

Sand

The Lord, Mighty to Save

A Fatal Decision

A Tryst with Jesus

Two Surrenders

I'm Waiting for a Sign

Untold Riches

The Message of Emphasis

The Story of Jimmie White

A Bolivian Bible Man

A Refuge from the Storm

The Fool's Prayer

Just As Thou Art

The Guardsman's Mute Testimony

The Somerley Hermit

A Great Only

Unregenerate

Christ's Terms

Be Not Deceived

How to Get Faith

He Saved a Poor Sinner Like Me.

A Dream with a Sequel

A Printed Evangelist

I've Got What I Wanted

The Right Way

Whosoever